Hi everyone,

My name is Kaitlin, and I’m reaching out for help as my family and I try to navigate an incredibly difficult time. Over the past year, I’ve been diagnosed with several chronic and disabling conditions - POTS (Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome), Fibromyalgia, Hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (hEDS), and Limited Systemic Scleroderma (Systemic Sclerosis).

These conditions have completely changed my daily life. Over the last year I have had over 50 appointments, exams, labs and imaging. I experience severe joint pain, swelling, muscle fatigue, and blood pooling, which make it hard to stand or walk even short distances. Some days, I can’t get out of bed without help. POTS also causes intense nausea, dizziness, and near-fainting spells, especially when I try to stand up or move around too quickly. This has made even daily cleaning around my house sometimes impossible.

Systemic Scleroderma is a rare autoimmune disease that causes the body to produce too much collagen, leading to hardening of the skin and internal organs. Although combined with my hEDS I currently do not have tightened skin, but have lost some immobility in my joints. It can also affect everything from circulation to my digestive and respiratory systems, creating daily pain, stiffness, and fatigue that make normal activities incredibly difficult.

Because of my frequent doctor’s appointments, treatments, and flare-ups, my fiancée had to change jobs - he was missing too much work to care for me and help with appointments. He now works nights so he can be home during the day to assist me and help care for our toddler, and he’s already working overtime each week just to try to keep us afloat. While he’s doing everything he can, the financial strain of medical expenses, missed work, and ongoing care has become overwhelming.

We’re currently struggling to catch up on bills and maintain stability while adjusting to this new reality. Every dollar raised will go directly toward essential expenses, rent, utilities, groceries, and medical costs, as we work to get back on our feet.

If you’re able to donate, share, or even just send some words of encouragement, it would mean the world to us. Living with these conditions is exhausting, but the kindness and support of others truly helps us keep going.

Thank you for taking the time to read our story and for any help you can give.