I wanted to share a bit of my journey with you, especially for those who might not know what I've been going through.

In December, I found myself in an unexpected health crisis. What started as feeling 'off' gradually escalated into a frightening situation. On December 29th, tingles in my legs, hands, and lips, along with numbness, set off alarm bells. Before I knew it, I lost my ability to speak upon reaching the hospital. The pain was excruciating, accompanied by waves of nausea, and much of that day is a blur in my memory.

For six days, medical professionals treated me for meningitis, but despite initial signs of recovery, the symptoms returned just as we were starting to feel hopeful. Another four days in the hospital followed, during which time my remarkable neurologist, Dr. Benjamin at KMC, made a crucial diagnosis: HaNDL syndrome. It's a rare condition that mimics the symptoms of a stroke, with limited research available to guide treatment. Miraculously, there was no lasting damage to my brain, but the road to recovery has been difficult.

In the aftermath, my journey has resembled that of someone recovering from a severe concussion. Recurring headaches, brain fatigue, and slowed cognitive function have been constant, though I'm grateful for the strides I've made in recent months since leaving the hospital.

The financial toll of this experience has been daunting. My original hospital bill soared to nearly $80,000, a staggering sum that, thanks to the generosity of the hospital, has been significantly reduced. However, with the weight of rent, student loans, and everyday expenses, the burden of this monthly bill is truly impossible.

This is where your kindness can make all the difference. Your donations, words of encouragement, and shares not only alleviate my financial strain but also serve as pillars of support, reminding me that I'm not alone in this journey.

Thank you for taking the time to read my story and for any assistance you can offer. Your kindness and compassion make all the difference.

With heartfelt gratitude,

Jacklyn Callihan