Hi, my name is Kelsey Phillips and I am starting this fundraiser for my best friend Alyjha Tauscher. For those who know Aly and keep up with her posts, you know she is dealing with a lot. Aly is a unique soul and her health is even more unique. 

• This all started when she fell asleep at the wheel on her way to work. Thankfully she woke up in time before anything horrible happened. Then with a potential diagnosis of narcolepsy, she would fall asleep in random places, whether it would be standing in line or even behind the wheel. 
• After almost a year of doctors appointments, she was given the possible diagnoses of Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, she is still undergoing testing to discover which type she is.
• One of the most concerning things was the discovery of a chronic cranial and spinal CSF Leak which she is still working with doctors on how to deal with this. (Common with Ehlers- Danlos patients)  
• She is using a shoulder sling for a possible rotator cuff tear which may require surgery. She did this simply by getting out of bed! 

Every appointment brings up more concerns for her health and with every appointment, test, or trips to the ER the costs are adding up on top of living expenses. Stanford appointments are required as the insurance finally got some specialists approved to see her. Most of Aly’s testing and possible treatments require her to travel out of town, this will mean additional fuel, food, and hotels costs. None of which she can afford. 

Aly was out on temporary disability but the 1 year period has expired. Her doctors don’t seem to be in any rush to either clear her of all disabilities or to recommend permanent disability. In the meantime she has zero income.  Unemployment is not an option when you are off work for a disability. 

Aly made jewelry, signs and has sold numerous items to help pay her bills. Many of you probably purchased items for her to help support her and for that she is grateful. She is no longer able to set up for events to sell items. So that makes it difficult to keep earning income that way. She is also a photographer but even struggles with that. She lives in an upstairs apartment without any other way down but two flights of stairs. This is becoming increasingly difficult for her and I’m hoping the funds raised from this will help her find housing suitable to her condition.   

     She has remained as positive as she can through all of this but this is putting a major financial burden on her. Aly is unable to bring in any income due to her newly found disabilities and health concerns. We all know she isn’t one to ask for help and I am hoping by me sharing a bit of her story, everyone will understand she is in need of support. 

Anything helps. If you are unable to donate, please share with others.

Thank you.