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Hello, my name is Desi, and I’m 37 years old. I’ve battled chronic health challenges for years—syringomyelia with Chiari malformation is the rare neurological disorder that has defined my life. On May 25, my health took a drastic turn for the worst.
Severe Symptoms & Emergency Hospitalization:
In Temecula, while celebrating my second-born’s 15th birthday, I suffered a grand mal seizure as a passenger in the car. I stopped breathing, lost all sense of time and memory (I forgot my age, my name, even the year), and was rushed by ambulance to Loma Linda Murrieta. Since then, I’ve battled pneumonia, rampant muscle wasting, malnutrition (I’ve lost over 40 lbs in six weeks, now weighing under 95 lbs), intractable headaches and migraines, dizziness, nausea, and vomiting. My skin has literally peeled off in sheets. I am on IV antibiotics, seizure medications, continuous glucose/saline drips, and have been unable to walk due to severe muscle wasting. The hospital team is concerned there may also be a secondary autoimmune component (possible lupus), which is under evaluation.
Why California? Limited Specialists:
Syringomyelia with Chiari malformation is so rare that there are only three hospitals in all of California equipped to truly treat it. I had to leave Arizona, uproot our entire family, and travel back to California so I could get the specialized care I desperately need. Every day without treatment puts my life at further risk.
Current Challenges:
I’m waiting for a sedation-required MRI of my brain and spine, but my blood pressure remains dangerously low—under 100 mmHg even with medication—so the team is weighing the risks.
I’m likely to leave the hospital dependent on a walker, and the prospect of a long, painful rehabilitation is terrifying.
To make room for my medical needs, my husband Matt took our kids from Arizona, gave up his job, and now works DoorDash shifts just to afford a hotel room and put food on the table. Even with the incredible generosity of local social workers (we’re temporarily staying at Jacob’s House), our family is on the brink of homelessness.
How This Affects My Family
Husband & Caregiver (Matt): Matt has been our family’s rock—driving food deliveries around the clock, booking a room at Jacob’s House for us, and spending every waking moment worrying how he’ll provide for our four children while I fight for my life. He cannot work a regular job right now, because I need constant care, and our savings have been wiped out with medical bills, hotel nights, and gas.
Our Children (Ages 17, 15, 13 11, 8 ):
My second born baby (15) witnessed my seizure on his birthday. He’s terrified and misses having a mom who can do more than lie in a hospital bed. His oldest brother (17) can come to see me in the ICU (with ID), but he tries to focus on school and being a teenager, and I don’t want to pull him from that.
Our other kids—all under 15—have been through more fear in one month than most children face in a year. They are staying with Matt and our extended family while I’m hospitalized. Every day without a stable home or routine increases their anxiety and uncertainty.
We simply cannot keep this up without help.
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What We Need & How Funds Will Be Used
Our family’s immediate needs include:
1. Medical Expenses & Specialized Treatment
MRI & Testing Costs: The sedation-required full spine/brain MRI, lab work, and ongoing diagnostics (possible lupus workup).
Hospital Co-pays & Uncovered Bills: Even with insurance, deductibles and out-of-pocket expenses for an extended ICU stay add up quickly.
Aftercare (Physical Therapy & Rehab): I will almost certainly be discharged with a walker and require months of physical therapy, in-home nursing support, and durable medical equipment.
2. Basic Living Expenses for My Husband & Kids
Rent & Utilities: We left our home in Arizona and currently have no permanent residence. Once I’m discharged, Matt needs a place where our children can return to school.
Food & Necessities: Groceries, clothing (they outgrow things so quickly and we left with next to nothing because of how quickly we left), and other essentials.
Transportation & Gas: Matt needs reliable transportation to bring me to follow-up appointments, therapy sessions, and to handle deliveries as he transitions back to stable work.
3. Childcare & Emotional Support
Babysitting or Day Camp Funds: There are moments when Matt has to stay by my side, and our kids need a safe place to go.
Playdates & Activities: To give our children some normalcy, joy, and relief from constant worry—whether it’s a movie ticket, a pizza night, or a weekend outing with extended family/friends.
4. Stabilizing Long-Term Future
Our ultimate goal is to secure a small, stable home for us—one where I can recover and Matt can return to a regular job without the stress of monthly hotel bills.
Any surplus funds will be placed into a trust to cover rent, utilities, and education expenses until I am able to work (which may not be possible for many months).
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Why Your Help Matters
I’m Fighting for My Life, But My Family Is Fighting to Survive. If I had waited even a few more days before seeking specialist care, I’m not sure I’d be here today. We need your generosity to bridge the gap between my hospital bedside and a place my kids can call home again.
We’ve Already Seen Incredible Kindness. The social workers at Loma Linda Murrieta arranged temporary lodging for Matt and the kids at Jacob’s House, which has been a lifesaver. Countless nurses, doctors, and friends have shown us love, support, generosity, genuine concern, and kindnness. Now, we’re asking for broader community support so that hope can become a reality.
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How You Can Help
1. Donate (Every Dollar Counts):
GoFundMe: [Insert GoFundMe Link Once Live]
CashApp (Until the Campaign Launches): $DesiMudge
Even $5 or $10 goes directly toward medical bills, food for our children, or hotel nights until I’m discharged.
2. Share Our Story:
Please hit “Share” on our GoFundMe page and post it to social media.
Forward this link to family, friends, co-workers—anyone who wants to help.
3. Offer Childcare or Visit:
If you’re local to Temecula or the Inland Empire, your kids (or you!) could come visit the hospital and bring my children some joy.
If you can play with them for a couple of hours or take them to a movie, you’ll be giving them moments of relief they desperately need.
In-home babysitting or playdates mean the world.
4. Words of Encouragement:
If you don’t have the means to donate, please leave a kind message below.
A little encouragement goes a long way when you’re lying in a hospital bed feeling like your world has crumbled.
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Our Gratitude & Shout-Outs
Words cannot express how grateful—speechless, even—I am for the people who have lifted us up in these dark days:
Lici Metheny: Thank you for being the first person to welcome us when we arrived in town. Your constant support, the cousins’ visits—our kids’ faces lit up, and it meant everything.
Tammy Baker (Mom): You dropped everything, crossed state lines, and have shouldered financial burdens you couldn’t afford. Our kids have the world’s best grandma. I love you more than words can say.
Gerry Prunty: Even as you fight your own health battle, you’ve been a rock. Your selflessness, sense of humor, and loyalty—man, you’re a true friend. If there’s a ruckus to cause together in the afterlife, I’ll hold you to it. Love you, dude!
Kassie Davidson (Best Boss Ever): You accommodated me until the very end on the mountain. I’m sorry I couldn’t stay, but I dream of the day I’m healthy enough to work for you again. You are a kickass boss and an even better friend.
Debra Vertz: You gave us a space heater when ours died and reminded me daily that I am strong enough to fight. I will miss your hugs, but I’m determined to get back on my feet for at least one more hug. Love you, girl.
Matt’s Grandma: Even when life is tough, you find ways to support us. You let us use your address for mail, covered a hotel night—you are the kindest soul, and we all adore you.
Stepdad (Daryl): Your voice constantly reminds me that I am capable, that I can conquer anything. I hear you in my head every time I want to give up. I love you to the moon and back! Metal shows await us.
Shaundra Sorrell: The myth, the legend—always there through thick and thin. I can’t wait to see you; it’s been far too long.
Spookei Church: You’ve navigated a similar path, so you know exactly what I’m going through. Your advice, your emotional support—thank you for being my rock.
I know there are countless others who have done more for us than I can name here. Please know we appreciate each and every one of you.
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What Happens Next?
I’ll keep this campaign updated as I make progress. Right now, every minute in the hospital is a fight to stabilize my blood pressure, get that MRI, and start planning the surgery or procedures that could save my life.
Please reach out to my husband, Matt Mudge, if you have any questions, if you’d like to donate via CashApp now, or if you want to offer childcare, a meal train, or just a listening ear. He’s juggling so much, and your support will mean the world to him and to our kids.
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From My Heart to Yours
I’ve battled chronic pain and rare disease for years, but never have I felt more invisible—until now. Here at Loma Linda Murrieta, I finally feel heard, seen, and validated. For the first time, I have hope that someone is truly fighting for me.
But hope needs fuel to become reality: our hospital bills, our children’s security, and our future home. If you can, please donate. If you can’t, please share our story. If you can do neither, please send a prayer, a kind thought, or a simple “I’m thinking of you.” Anything at all helps pull us from the darkness.
From the bottom of my broken heart, thank you for reading, thank you for caring, and thank you for letting us know we’re not alone. We promise to pay your kindness forward—one day soon, when I’m healthy enough to stand on my own two feet.
With love and gratitude,
Desi Mudge (Currently fighting in the ICU)
On behalf of Matt Mudge, Danny (17), Donnie (15), Ruka June (13), Luke (11) and Norma Elizabeth (8)
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Donation Information
GoFundMe (Live Soon):
CashApp (Until GoFundMe Launches): $DesiMudge
(Please share this campaign link far and wide. Every click brings us one step closer to saving my life and restoring our family’s future.)
Organizer
