Hi everyone. I’m Amira, a Palestinian-American community organizer. For the past 15 years, my life and work have been rooted in fighting for justice, care, and collective liberation in my communities.

Since May 2023, I’ve been living with Long COVID, a chronic, full-body illness that has deeply reshaped my daily life. I experience severe fatigue, brain fog, pain, immune system and nervous system dysfunction, with symptoms that fluctuate day to day and can be triggered by exertion. At my worst, even basic things like cooking, showering, or walking short distances left me completely wiped out for long stretches of time. It’s been a long, humbling, and often isolating experience.

Like many people with Long COVID, I’ve also faced disbelief and real barriers to care, which has made getting consistent treatment and support much harder than it should be.

Over the past several months, I’ve been part of a Long COVID clinical trial receiving IVIG treatment. Progress has been slow, but with this and many other treatments, I’ve reached a place of greater stability and increased functionality. My health is still unpredictable, and I continue to live with an invisible disability, but I’m actively working to rebuild my life and prepare to return to work as my body allows.

Being unable to work consistently for the past two years has created significant and ongoing financial strain. Medical expenses, living costs, and rent have continued to pile up, and much of this has gone onto credit cards while I’ve focused on staying afloat and pursuing care.

Support will go directly toward reducing the $13,500 in debt I accrued while disabled, and toward ongoing medical treatments, medications, supplements, and recovery-related expenses. Reducing this financial pressure would make a huge difference as I continue healing and working toward stability.

Sharing this is vulnerable and not easy, but I know that recovery from chronic illness takes community. If you’re able to support or share, I’m deeply grateful. And if not, thank you for taking the time to read and for holding me with care.

With so much gratitude,

xo