Support Cassandra's Journey to Cleveland Clinic for Answers

Hello, my name is Cassandra Nelson and I live in Broomfield, CO. Just over three years ago, on April 18, 2021, I suffered an injury to my back that disrupted my nervous system. Extreme pain in my back and left leg started to effect my daily life. I tried several treatments such as physical therapy, dry needling, mind-body therapy, chiropractic, massage, cupping, steroid injections, and aquatic therapy. Unfortunately, these forms of conventional medicine gave me little to no improvement. Most of the time, I would leave the facility feeling far worse than when I came.

After 5 months of doing everything we could to avoid surgery, it was decided that the next step was a minimally invasive surgery to try and correct the issue. The surgery took place on September 10, 2021 and unfortunately only made things worse. I spent the next 3 days in the hospital while the doctors and staff worked to lower my pain. I never imagined that my nervous system would malfunction and pain would become my norm, uninterrupted, a sickness that would gradually spread to the rest of my body.

For the last 3 years, I have been living in constant pain. What started in my lower back and left leg has progressed. Most recently, my symptoms have escalated, spreading to my right half now affecting my entire body. The worst is the constant shooting pain and swelling to my arms, hands, feet, and legs. I struggle with normal daily tasks such as holding items, driving, cooking, cleaning, or any tasks that involve even slight pressure to my fingertips. I have difficulty walking up stairs, taking the dogs out, or simply leaving the house. My limited mobility and pain from my nervous system not functioning properly has left me unable to work.

For 3.5 years, I have visited roughly thirteen doctors asking for help. Some pass me along to the next, some believe it is all in my head, or that I need to push through the pain and simply build back my strength. These doctors tell me that the tests, x-rays, spinal punctures, and EMG show no signs of illness, offering no diagnosis. I have been pushed off to the side, leaving me limited to my couch or my bed, lying flat in hopes of not aggravating my nervous system, sending me spiraling down into a painful flare.

The purpose of my GoFundMe is to raise funds so that I will be able to travel out of state for better care and possibly find out what is causing the debilitating pain that is inside my body. I have been in contact with Mayo Clinic and Cleveland Clinic. These two hospitals are ranked top in the country and Mayo is ranked #1 in the world. My mission is to be seen by the neurology team at one of these hospitals. I will know which one in the next week or so. Funds donated will be used for medical bills, travel, lodging, and food. Please help me so that I can finally receive the care that I deserve. It is a scary long road ahead, but I am strong and resilient! Thank you for taking the time to read my story. Please donate if you can. Additionally, I would love if you would share the link to my story so I have a better chance of reaching my goal.

Love, Cassandra