Support Cathy's Uninsured Recovery Journey

From Studio 74 to Room 592: Help Me Recover Without Going Bankrupt

Hi, I’m Cathy — writer, recovery warrior, Studio 74 founder, and now… reluctant guest at the Saint Thomas Beige Room Resort & Medical Spa (not five stars, but the iced tea is unlimited).

After years of working, rebuilding my life, and finally finding peace in my skin and space, I ended up in the ER with what felt like a gut full of razor blades. It wasn’t stress, it wasn’t “just reflux” — turns out my celiac artery might be compressed (a rare condition called MALS), and I’ve been on clear liquids, IV meds, scans, scopes, and pain meds I never wanted to take… while they figure out if surgery is needed.

No Insurance, No Room Service

I’m uninsured, and this is America, which means every test, every IV, every paper cup of broth comes with a price tag. I’ve already had:

• A CT scan

• Bloodwork, GI cocktail, ultrasounds

• Multiple IVs, medications, and potassium infusions

• An EGD procedure

• A few days in a bed that costs more than a Hilton suite — without the continental breakfast or bathrobe

And more bills are coming.

What I’m Asking

If you can help, I’m raising $25,000 to cover the hospital stay, tests, procedures, medications, and the aftermath of navigating follow-ups and care with no safety net. Anything you can give will go straight to keeping me from drowning in medical debt — and yes, I’ll be writing my next Substack essay from the recovery room.

✨ If You Know Me…

You know I’m fiercely independent. I’m usually the one helping others, not asking for help. But this time? I need it. I don’t have parents to bail me out, a spouse to lean on, or an insurance card to flash. I just have my voice, my story, and now — this moment.

Help me heal with dignity, and maybe even keep my apartment and my sense of humor intact.

Thank you from the bottom of my very compressed artery,

Cathy Cirisan

aka Miss Savoureuse — sans snacks, for now.