Save Our Shaina: A Story of Strength, Love, and Resilience

Imagine waking up every day feeling like you have the flu—exhausted, in pain, and unable to move without struggle. Now imagine that feeling never goes away. That’s life with Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/cfs), a debilitating illness that affects millions but remains widely misunderstood.

My wife, Shaina, has been fighting this battle for nearly 20 years. On top of ME/cfs, she also has Hypermobility Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (hEDS), which weakens her connective tissue, and Craniocervical Instability (CCI), which makes it difficult for her neck to properly support her skull. These conditions have left her in chronic pain, unable to live the full life she deserves.

But there is hope. A groundbreaking surgery with Dr. Bolognese at the Chiari EDS Center in Oceanside, NY, could dramatically improve her quality of life. This surgery has helped others with ME/cfs regain mobility, reduce pain, and reclaim their lives. We desperately need your help to make this happen.

How You Can Help

We need to raise $125,000 - $150,000 to cover the costs of surgery, medical care, and recovery. Every donation, no matter the size, brings Shaina one step closer to healing.

Donate Now – Every dollar makes a difference - even if it's just gas money. 

Share Our Story – Help us spread the word by sharing this page.

Follow Our Story - We update our website (DavidandShaina.com) and try to post frequently on social media platforms.  

Learn & Advocate – Watch Unrest, a documentary on ME/cfs, and support organizations like #MEAction.

Our Fundraising Phases

We’re approaching this big goal step by step, and every phase brings us closer to healing. Here's how your support will help:

Phase 1: Clear the Past – $45,000

Covers the overwhelming medical bills from the last year—hospital stays, ER visits, specialists, and treatments that weren’t covered by insurance.

Phase 2: Get to NYC – $20,000

Funds the trips from New Orleans to New York and supports short-term housing, food, and travel costs during Shaina’s pre-op and recovery window.

Phase 3: The Surgery – $75,000

Covers the actual surgery and hospital costs with Dr. Bolognese and all associated post-op medical follow-ups and therapies.

Phase 4: Sustain the Comeback – $15,000

Supports Shaina’s year-long recovery, including rent, utilities, groceries, therapy, and home care so she can rest and heal without crisis.

Where Your Donations Will Go

- Past Medical Bills (Over the Last Year): $45,000+

- Uncovered Medicines & Doctor Visits: $5,000 - $10,000

- Pre-Surgery Testing & Consultations: $5,000 - $10,000

- Surgery & Hospital Costs: $60,000 - $75,000

- Post-Surgery Rehabilitation & Follow-ups: $5,000 - $10,000

- Travel from New Orleans to NYC (Gas, Lodging, Meals): $2,500 - $3,500

- Recovery Stay in NYC (1-2 months): $10,000 - $15,000

- Food & Special Dietary Needs: $3,000 - $5,000

- Rent & Utilities During Recovery: $12,000 - $15,000

- Medical Equipment & Home Care Support: $2,000 - $3,000

- Physical Therapy & Additional Treatments: $3,000+

Our Journey

Shaina and I first met as kids in New Orleans in 1988. Life brought us back together in 2002, and we’ve been inseparable ever since. In 2005, just as we were planning our wedding, Shaina’s health began to decline. Then Hurricane Katrina hit, turning our lives upside down.

Since then, Shaina has fought through countless hospital visits, unexplained symptoms, and financial struggles just to get the care she needs. Most recently, she spent six months battling intractable vomiting and extreme weight loss—a terrifying ordeal that pushed us to our limits. But she is a fighter. And now, with this surgery, there is finally a chance to turn things around.

Time is of the Essence

We need to raise funds as soon as possible so we can move forward with surgery and ensure Shaina gets the care she needs.

Your generosity could change her life. Please consider donating, sharing, or supporting us in any way you can.

With gratitude and hope,

David A. Burks