Sienna's Helpfund
Donation protected
My daughter, Sienna Thais Armstrong's words:
So I didn't want to necessarily post this and it's a little uncomfortable to, but I want to break the stigma. A couple of weeks ago I was diagnosed with anorexia. Anorexia is not just "I think I'm fat!". It's thoughts concerning food, weight gain, guilty feelings, body dysmorphia etc consuming your every waking moment. And it has become detrimental to my health.*
It was recommended by doctors that I go to an intensive outpatient treatment center. My insurance will not cover it until I meet my deductible, which is upwards of $7,000. Josh and I have spent many hours over the last few weeks on the phone with doctors offices and our insurance, and I've spent many moments being upset and angry over the fact that I want to recover, yet it seems so out of reach due to our antiquated, flawed health care system.
I'm sharing this story because it's important. Mental illness isn't something to be taken lightly, and people falling through the cracks because of finances and red tape is a very real thing in this country.
**My daughter needs help, and anyone who knows her, and me, knows how hard it is to ask. Our hands are tied with the treatment Sienna can receive for her eating disorder due to financial constraints. Her health is at stake, and I want her to get better. I am worried about her heart mostly, because she is so tiny and her weight is so low. $7000 is A LOT of money, but I am reaching out to you as her mother, to do whatever you can to help us. Your generosity and well-wishes are more appreciated than you will ever know. Thank you in advance, for ANYTHING you can do.**
So I didn't want to necessarily post this and it's a little uncomfortable to, but I want to break the stigma. A couple of weeks ago I was diagnosed with anorexia. Anorexia is not just "I think I'm fat!". It's thoughts concerning food, weight gain, guilty feelings, body dysmorphia etc consuming your every waking moment. And it has become detrimental to my health.*
It was recommended by doctors that I go to an intensive outpatient treatment center. My insurance will not cover it until I meet my deductible, which is upwards of $7,000. Josh and I have spent many hours over the last few weeks on the phone with doctors offices and our insurance, and I've spent many moments being upset and angry over the fact that I want to recover, yet it seems so out of reach due to our antiquated, flawed health care system.
I'm sharing this story because it's important. Mental illness isn't something to be taken lightly, and people falling through the cracks because of finances and red tape is a very real thing in this country.
**My daughter needs help, and anyone who knows her, and me, knows how hard it is to ask. Our hands are tied with the treatment Sienna can receive for her eating disorder due to financial constraints. Her health is at stake, and I want her to get better. I am worried about her heart mostly, because she is so tiny and her weight is so low. $7000 is A LOT of money, but I am reaching out to you as her mother, to do whatever you can to help us. Your generosity and well-wishes are more appreciated than you will ever know. Thank you in advance, for ANYTHING you can do.**
Organizer and beneficiary
Natalie Rose Gonzalez
Organizer
Santa Maria, CA
Sienna Armstrong
Beneficiary