Hello, my name is Sam, and I’m a proud U.S. Navy veteran and the single mother of four beautiful children. I've fought battles for human rights during my service, and now I fight daily battles inside my own body. I never imagined I’d be writing this, but I’m reaching out with humility because our situation has become overwhelming—and I can’t do it alone anymore.

I live with several devastating chronic illnesses that affect every aspect of my life, including:

Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS)

Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS)

Dysautonomia (POTS)

Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS)

Cervical Dystonia

Scoliosis, Degenerative Disc Disease, Spondylosis, and Herniated Discs (C2–T3, L5–S1)

Sinus Tarsi Syndrome

Unstable joint subluxations in my neck, shoulders, ribs, hands, and ankles

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) and C-PTSD from trauma

Despite the excruciating pain, unpredictable symptoms, and exhausting medical appointments, I’ve done everything in my power to raise my children with love, strength, and stability.

But now, my son Nikolai is facing his own medical challenges, and it's breaking my heart.

My Son Deserves Better, But I’m Failing Without Help

Nikolai is now showing signs of Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, like me. He suffers from:

Severe food and environmental allergies

Chronic anxiety and emotional distress, even suicidal ideations

Constipation withholding so severe it's caused an acquired megacolon

Slow weight gain, stomach pain, and regular GI distress

I’ve taken him to countless specialists, but the co-pays, treatments, medications, and testing costs are spiraling out of control—and his father has not stepped up to help, despite knowing the seriousness of our son’s condition. Despite his 100k+ yearly salary.

I'm doing my best to give Nikolai the care he desperately needs, while managing my own disabling illnesses. But it’s more than I can afford, and the system is failing us both.

We urgently need financial support for:

Medical co-pays, diagnostic tests, and treatments for both me and Nikolai

Specialist visits not covered by insurance

Medications, allergy-safe foods, GI care, and therapy for Nikolai

Mobility and safety aids for my own physical disabilities

Home accommodations for accessibility and safety

Basic living expenses as I’m unable to work due to medical disability

Why Your Help Means Everything:

Every dollar helps keep us afloat. Every share gets our story in front of someone who might be able to help. Your support can bring us:

A path to stability and healing

The means to protect Nikolai's health before things worsen

Relief from the daily stress of choosing between groceries and medical care.

I’ve spent my life serving my country and my children. Now I’m asking from the bottom of my heart—please help us survive this chapter. We need community now more than ever.

With deep gratitude,

Sam and Niko