A Mother's Fight with a Rare Condition

Introduction:

Hi, my name is Megan, and I’m a 27-year-old mother to a beautiful baby girl named Evelyn and wife to an amazing and devoted husband, Andy. What should have been the most joyful chapter of my life—motherhood—has instead been overshadowed by a serious and complex medical journey. I’ve been out of work and on disability since June of 2024 due to a combination of rare and debilitating health conditions that have deeply affected every part of my life.

My Medical Story:

My medical journey has been deeply challenging. Initially, I was believed to have suffered from three extensive spontaneous coronary artery dissections (SCAD), which led to a heart attack in 2022. However, after undergoing two cardiac catheterizations and a thorough review by specialists at the Mayo Clinic early this year, it’s now believed that my condition does not align with typical SCAD presentations. While this is still being investigated, I do not have any answers. Since 2022, I’ve been left with significant coronary artery disease due to abnormal healing following the dissections (or another underlying process). Several of my coronary arteries now have 60–70% stenosis, restricting blood flow and causing persistent ischemia—a dangerous lack of oxygen to the heart muscle. This results in daily chest pain, pressure, shortness of breath, and deep fatigue, all of which worsen with even light physical exertion.

Unfortunately, both Penn Medicine and the Mayo Clinic in Minnesota have concluded that I’m not a candidate for coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) due to the likelihood of surgical failure in my case. This was heartbreaking and devastating news. Alongside this, I also live with chronic Lyme disease, Sweets Syndrome, an undefined connective tissue disorder, and dysautonomia, a condition that disrupts my autonomic nervous system. These overlapping illnesses cause symptoms like tachycardia, dizziness, exhaustion, and temperature dysregulation, making even basic activities—such as climbing stairs, carrying my baby, or walking short distances—a significant struggle. I’ve tried multiple medications and therapies, yet I continue to search for a treatment plan that will allow me to regain any sense of normalcy and be more present for my daughter.

What Comes Next:

A rheumatologist has recently ordered several scans to see whether this was due to some form of vasculitis. There was no current vascular inflammation present on the scans and no need to put me on immunosuppresant drugs at this time. I am currently on my fifth or sixth medication for my heart, previous ones have not helped or have caused side effects I was unable to tolerate. We’re also looking into EECP therapy (Enhanced External Counterpulsation)—a non-invasive treatment that can improve blood flow and potentially delay or prevent the need for more extreme measures. This therapy is intensive; it’s an hour a day, five days a week, for seven weeks, and the closest clinic offering it is in New Jersey, over an hour away.

During this time, I’ll need consistent childcare for Evelyn, between daycare and the support of family and friends. It’s a major logistical and financial commitment—but it is my last non-surgical option.

If this treatment doesn’t help, the next step will be a consultation with a heart transplant team. That’s a reality no young mother wants to face, but it’s one I may have to prepare for.

How Your Support Will Help:

This GoFundMe will help our family manage our growing financial burden.

- Over $2,000 and growing in current medical debt

- Transportation and gas to and from EECP treatment in New Jersey

- Childcare costs for Evelyn while I’m in treatment

- Medications and diagnostic testing, much of which is not fully covered by insurance

- Future evaluations and preparation if a transplant becomes necessary

Why This Means Everything:

I want so badly to be present and healthy for Evelyn’s first steps, her first birthday, her life. I want to go on walks with her, play with her, and be the mom she deserves. Right now, I’m doing everything I can to stay strong for her, but I need help.

Your donation—no matter the size—will bring us one step closer to stability, healing, and hope. And even if you can’t give financially, sharing this campaign with your network means the world to us.

From My (Broken) Heart to Yours:

Thank you for taking the time to read my story. This has been an incredibly vulnerable and humbling journey, but your compassion and generosity help light the way forward.

With gratitude and love,

Megan