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Give so Robert’s meds, tests, and living costs are covered now
Help Robert With Ongoing Costs From Severe Long COVID
After 5.5 years living with severe Long COVID, I rely on outside support to afford the uncovered medications, supplements, basic care, and essential living costs that keep me stable enough to get through each day — and to care for my dog, GG, who has been my constant companion through this illness.
This campaign began in September 2024, and the need remains ongoing.
Who I Am
Hi, I’m Robert, a 42-year-old former international school teacher. For 14 years, I taught students in Canada, Singapore, and Japan. In 2017, I completed a graduate degree in public policy, and in 2019 I moved to Atlanta to begin a new career in advocacy and public service.
In February 2020, I got COVID — and I never recovered.
(Photo: with my last group of Grade 2 students in Canada befo, June 2019 — the last time I was able to work)
⚠️ Life with Long COVID
For more than five years, I’ve been profoundly ill with symptoms including:
- Severe neurocognitive impairment (memory loss, impaired concentration, executive dysfunction)
- Debilitating fatigue with post-exertional symptom exacerbation (PEM) and widespread pain
- Autonomic dysfunction, including elevated heart rate with minimal activity, dizziness, fainting, and exercise intolerance
- Shortness of breath and chest tightness
- Chronic sleep disturbance with non-restorative sleep
- Persistent upper airway inflammation, thick nasopharyngeal mucus, and breathing discomfort
- Orthostatic intolerance and lightheadedness, especially when upright
- Significant functional impairment, limiting my ability to work, manage daily activities, or live independently
My condition overlaps with POTS and ME/CFS, two complex, disabling illnesses.
At my best, I am mostly housebound. At my worst, I am bedridden. I’ve lost my health, my independence, and my ability to earn income. This illness hasn’t just changed my life — it has dismantled it.
(Photo: running — something I loved before getting sick)
♥️ Your Support Has Already Made a Difference
In October 2024, your generosity raised $2,800, helping me cover critical medications and stabilize temporarily. I’m deeply grateful. Unfortunately, my needs are ongoing, and I still need help to survive.
(From Yahoo News article: Living with long COVID from March 2024)
My Financial Reality
As of May 2025, I was finally approved for Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP) benefits — but the support falls far short of what’s needed.
- Monthly ODSP income: $1,259 CAD (≈ $920 USD)
- Monthly out-of-pocket prescription medication costs: $770 CAD (≈ $560 USD)
Because Long COVID treatments are often considered off-label, many essential prescriptions are not covered by public drug plans.
In addition to prescriptions, supplements that help manage symptoms are also necessary, but these are not covered at all and must be paid for out of what remains after medication costs.
After paying for prescriptions, I’m left with approximately $489 CAD per month (≈ $360 USD) to cover supplements, food, housing, transportation, phone/internet, personal care, veterinary care for GG, and emergencies. This is not sustainable.
I recently shared my story with the Hamilton Spectator and The Sick Times about the critical lack of supports and housing insecurity for people living with Long COVID.
Hamilton man's life hijacked by long COVID - The Hamilton Spectator - June 2
Why I’m Fundraising
This fundraiser is not about a single treatment or quick fix.
It is about ongoing survival.
I’ve exhausted nearly every available treatment option in Canada. My doctors have no further answers. Managing this illness requires continuous medications, supplements, careful pacing, and basic supports — all of which come with persistent, unavoidable costs.
What Funds Help Cover
Donations help with:
- Essential prescription medications not fully covered
- Supplements that help manage symptoms but are not covered
- Uncovered blood tests and diagnostic monitoring required for ongoing care
- Medical and treatment-related expenses
- Transportation to appointments
- Basic living costs (food, phone, utilities, emergencies)
- Veterinary care for GG
These costs are constant, even as my health fluctuates.
(Photo: me resting with GG)
⏳ Why Your Support Matters
Long COVID has taken nearly everything from me — but I am still here, still fighting.
Alongside managing my own illness, I continue to advocate for others as:
- A NIH RECOVER Patient Representative
- A member of the Canadian COVID Society’s Long COVID Committee
A Community Advisory Group member for Simon Fraser University and the Museum of Vancouver's"Living with Long COVID" photography exhibit
I do this because no one should be abandoned like this and our voices need to be heard.
Please Help If You Can
I can’t do this alone. Your support helps me afford the medications and basic necessities that allow me to keep going — and to hold on to some dignity and hope in the process.
Every donation and every share makes a real difference.
Thank you for reading. Thank you for caring.
— Robert
Follow updates on X: @Rob_DeRosa
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LINKS: My Story in the News
https://www.thespec.com/news/hamilton-region/long-covid-hamilton-teacher-robert-derosa/article_6f26ac46-1c42-5596-8c1b-e0782b55dd93.html"
Hamilton man’s life hijacked by long COVID FULL
LINKS: Featured Podcasts
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