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<div>Used to be a VA biomedical engineer, but with long covid symptoms added to a various amount of autoimmune chronic conditions already, it's now almost been 2 years that I'm still seeking for any sort of treatment for the crashes, memory issues, post exertional malaise, and fatigue - to the point that this last 1 year after having resigned from the VA has been the fastest it's ever been because I've been bedbound and in a crash or flare-up so basically not much has physically happened in the year. My health is also prohibiting from me being able to work full-time. Goodbye six figures. 
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<div>Although the functional doctor and I have been finding more answers in the last 1 month alone, the answers its giving seems like it'll continue to bear high-cost. Add that to the last 2 years of my "healthcare journey" to find answers, and voila - medical debt. The funds would also cover an ER visit from a month ago.
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<div>I know the communities I'm a part of are very giving and generous -- that when it's come to graduations and other celebrations, there's always certain splurges. Now is a time when I'm intentionally humbling myself, requesting monetary assistance when it would actually increase quality of life, from these same communities. I've seen from some of these same communities, that when I've asked, they've stepped up to the call when 120 PTO/annual leave hours were donated to me during my last year at the VA -- allowing me rest when I had used up all vacation and sick leave/PTO.
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<div>In the meantime, I've been learning how to make jewelry - I'm not a jewelry girl at all but it provides me the flexibility that even when bedbound and barely able to move, I can still create. As I've just started, the sales are few, but any profit made is also going towards healthcare expenses and to assist my family.
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<div>Being South Asian, where we're told to keep the negative/"honorless" aspects only within the family - I know I'll get some heat for this. And I can't care. Because I get things done (historically) - me requesting for assistance is an actionable way to work towards a solution, and not just "thoughts and prayers" alone.
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<div>So donate if you can please - whether a $5, $20, or a general $100 -- it'll be so much more impactful than any current business sales I can make now. If I or any of my family members have ever inspired or motivated you, giving you the shirts off our backs -- we're requesting for that 'give back' now.
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<div>Thank you - truly. These funds, by covering functional doctor fees, labs, tests, (experimental) medication, MRI exams -- it's all with the one purpose for me to regain a capable life again so I can go back to helping others. For now though, this is my plea.
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<div>Thank you,
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<div>Rahie
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Standing with Rahie Through Her Health Challenges

Standing with Rahie Through Her Health Challenges

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