Dear friends and community,

Our beloved sister, Liz Diaz, who you might know from the wellness, dance or social service worker community, needs our support!

She is currently living in Peru with debilitating symptoms due to complications from two previous concussions. She urgently needs medical tests, however, the Peruvian health care system is privatized. She is currently not able to work due to the severity of her symptoms (It’s almost impossible for Liz to be on electronic devices right now) which is why I’m prompted to reach out to you on her behalf! Like many, both Liz and her partner have been financially impacted by Covid, which is also being exacerbated by the political unrest in Peru with the Coup and ousting of the President.

Please read her story below which includes a time-line, her initial diagnoses, symptoms, and projected medical costs. If you have the means to contribute something (any amount will be helpful), we will be so grateful.

*Any funds received above and beyond our goal will go towards Liz's recovery; with the possibility of needing new glasses, more testing, rehab, etc; as well as offering her some breathing space while she can't work.  (E-transfers to [email redacted] is also gladly accepted.)

Feel free to pass this on. Thank you. And big love to you all.

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Story time-line:

On Aug 2018, Liz fell backwards and hit her head on a wooden step, causing her first concussion (severe). 

On Oct 2019, Liz hit the left side of her head accidentally, causing her second concussion (mild).

Last year, on Nov 2019, Liz decided, after having her second concussion and having spent two years apart from her partner Chris in Peru, it was time for her to take a break from Toronto and live full-time with him in Peru. The plan was for her to return to Toronto in March of 2020 but Covid hit, so she remained.

After recovering from both of her concussions, her TBI (Traumatic Brain Injury) symptoms have mostly been mild - mild headaches and light sensitivity. However, on  Oct 28, 2020, Liz felt dizzy a few times, and by the next day she couldn’t walk straight or talk properly. This lasted about 10 days.  Her symptoms improved, but then worsened again, prompting Liz to seek the help of a neurologist. 

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Initial Diagnoses: 

Vestibular Disorder - The vestibular system includes the parts of the inner ear and brain that help control balance and eye movements. If the system is damaged by disease, aging or injury (concussion for Liz), vestibular disorders can result. 

Photophobia (extreme light sensitivity) -  Photophobia is a neurological issue that involves communication between the eye and the brain. The part of the eye that transmits photophobia to the brain is different from the part that transmits vision. This can be a persistent symptom of a diagnosed medical condition such as migraine, post-concussion syndrome or dry eye.

These diagnoses are non-conclusive, which is why she needs more tests to determine the exact issue. There’s a possibility it’s a brain and/or nervous system disorder.

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Current symptoms:

·       Lightheadedness and dizziness
·       Disoriented 
·       Difficulty walking straight
·       Trouble focusing
·       Sensitivity to light and computer monitors 
·       Trouble reading and typing
·       Sensitivity to loud noises and environments
·       Short-term memory lapses
·       Ear pain
·       Migraines 
·       Slowed speech 
·       Cognitive confusion
·       Physical & Mental Exhaustion 

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Initial Tests Required: 

·       Neurodegenerative Blood Analysis: Hemograma, Glucosa, Urea, creatinine,             TGO, TGP, T3, T4, Vitamina B12, Acido Folico, RPR  Cost: $230.50 CAD 

·       Potenciales evocados auditivos  (auditory exams)  Cost: $155.83 CAD

·       RMN Cerebral Con Contraste  (MRI)  Cost: $297.60

         Total: $914.93 CAD

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Foreseen/Unforeseen Future Costs:

·       Medical Consultation with Neurologist Dr. David Lira  Cost: $50 CAD per                 visit 

·       Current Medication for symptoms  Cost: $72.15 CAD

·       Rehabilitation treatments and further medical visits or tests 
         Cost: Unknown