Once vibrant and full of life, young L Snyder (LS), 21, is now battling very severe ME—a condition so debilitating that even light, sound, or speaking can cause unbearable pain. LS was athletic, loved spending time with a close-knit group of friends, looked forward to finishing high school and dreamed of becoming a writer. Currently those dreams are on hold. LS now requires round-the-clock care, and LS’s mother has made the difficult decision to leave her career to become a full-time caregiver.

To make matters worse, LS’s father, Kim-the family’s only income source, is battling liver cancer. This has left the family in a profound financial and emotional crisis.

(Update: Edward Kim Snyder passed away peacefully at his home on January 24, 2026. Please find below the link to his obituary:-

https://www.arbormemorial.ca/en/gftompkins-central/obituaries/edward-kim-snyder/154887.html )

Your contribution will help provide LS’s mother with the financial resources to support her family through this incredibly challenging time.

What is Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME)?

ME is a devastating illness, effecting multiple systems in the body, that robs people of independence and dignity. LS was diagnosed in March 2022 after a hospital stay, though symptoms began as early as February 2021. Like many ME patients, LS faced delayed diagnosis—a reality for over 90% of cases.

For LS, even basic physical, emotional, or cognitive exertion can trigger severe crashes, consisting of more fatigue and headaches, fever, brain fog, and more. LS now lives in a dark, quiet space where light, sound, touch, or even smells can cause unbearable pain. Communication is limited because speaking itself worsens symptoms. LS requires 10 hours of hands-on care daily—feeding, hygiene, repositioning—all done with extreme gentleness.

The Caregiver’s Reality

LS’s mom, Ruhi Preet Snyder (RS), has spent over two decades as a scientist and a passionate advocate for marginalized communities. Her research - “The Slow Violence of Shift Work” - highlights how sleep and daily rhythms are essential for health and dignity. Beyond her academic work, RS has always believed in giving back. She has volunteered tirelessly: cooking and distributing meals to the homeless, visiting schools across Ontario to teach children about the importance of sleep, and supporting countless community initiatives. She never imagined she’d need help herself but she now faces an unimaginable challenge.

For the past four years, RS has put her career aside to care for LS full-time. In addition to providing intensive daily care, she has devoted herself to researching and advocating for people living with ME and Long COVID—conditions that remain deeply stigmatized and poorly understood. Despite her resilience, the family faces relentless physical, emotional, and financial strain, with no formal support systems.

Please help us provide LS’s mother with the financial resources she needs to navigate these challenges and continue to support her family.