Michelle’s Disability Fight & Mental Health Mission

From JoAnn, Michelle’s Mom

Hi, my name is JoAnn, and I’m writing this on behalf of my daughter Michelle. This GoFundMe is connected to Michelle’s email and bank account in Chicago so she can track donations directly and access the support she needs as quickly as possible. I live in Tennessee, but I wanted to be the one to share this with you — because I’ve watched my daughter fight through something no one should face alone.

Michelle has been diagnosed with a rare neurological condition called Benign Essential Blepharospasm/Functional Neurological Disorder, which causes constant spasms in her eyes — sometimes leading to temporary blindness without warning. This disorder makes it extremely difficult for her to work consistently, safely travel, or carry out basic tasks many of us take for granted.

Despite these challenges, Michelle continues to pour her heart into her passion: mental health advocacy through her project, LivLIVE_NOW. If you've seen her out at live music events, it's only been possible because close friends and colleagues help her get around and support her when her symptoms flare up. But now, she's at a breaking point.

Her application for disability was unjustly denied, and while she is in the middle of the appeal process, she has no stable income and urgent bills piling up. She needs help to cover basic living expenses — rent, food, medical costs — until a decision is reached. And while she continues to work toward recovery and navigate this complicated health system, she also continues to advocate for others, showing up for the community even when no one is showing up for her.

As her Mom, it breaks my heart to see her struggling like this. Michelle is strong, creative, and deeply compassionate. She’s helped so many people — now I’m asking for help on her behalf. Every little bit helps, whether it's a donation or simply sharing this page with someone who might care.

Thank you for taking the time to read this, and thank you for helping my daughter.

With love and gratitude,

JoAnn