Hi, my name is Chaya. I’m a 23-year-old Marine Corps veteran and a mom to a beautiful 3-year-old son who is my entire world. Over the past several weeks, my health has taken a sudden and devastating turn. I was initially diagnosed with Functional Neurological Disorder (FND), a condition that affects how the brain and body communicate. However, that diagnosis has since been determined to be incorrect. We now know that FND was a false diagnosis, and doctors are continuing to investigate what is truly causing my symptoms. I am currently paralyzed and experiencing severe, unpredictable symptoms including loss of speech, weakness and numbness in my limbs, difficulty using my hands and fingers, extreme fatigue, and episodes where I cannot move or speak at all. Some days I regain small amounts of movement or speech; other days I cannot. The unpredictability makes it impossible for me to safely care for myself — or my son — on my own. Because of the severity of my symptoms and abnormal lab results, I am now admitted at a different hospital and placed in an oncology unit while doctors run extensive testing and work to get definitive answers. Being in an oncology unit without clear answers has been incredibly overwhelming and frightening. We are still in the process of ruling serious conditions in or out and trying to understand what is happening to my body. At this time, I require 24/7 in-home care to assist with mobility, transfers, personal care, safety, and daily living needs. I cannot be left alone safely. Until we have answers and a treatment plan, full-time care is medically necessary to protect my safety and allow me to focus on stabilizing. The goal of this GoFundMe is based entirely on the cost of necessary care. Round-the-clock home health assistance is just under $5,000 per week. My biggest concern right now is being able to maintain a stable living environment for my son so that I can continue to be present in his life while also affording the 24/7 care I need to recover safely at home. I do not want to lose precious time with him because I cannot afford proper support. I never imagined I would be in a position to create a GoFundMe. As a veteran and a mother, independence means everything to me. But many people reminded me that asking for help during a medical crisis is not weakness — it’s survival. I am choosing not to make a video to protect my mental health and avoid negativity, but I want to be fully transparent here. If you are able to donate, I am beyond grateful. If you cannot, sharing this means just as much. Every share, every prayer, every kind message truly matters. Thank you for taking the time to read my story and for standing with me during the most difficult season of my life. With gratitude, Chaya