Support Cheryl Poynor's Journey for Health

We (Ines, Taryn, Breanna) are writing on behalf of our dear friend Cheryl.

In late July 2024, while visiting family in Illinois, Cheryl came down with a severe virus. She developed painful, swollen lymph nodes all over her body, requiring multiple ER visits. After being unable to receive care out of state, Cheryl returned to Seattle, only to begin experiencing worsening symptoms, including neck pain and weakness, difficulty holding her head up, swallowing and breathing.

After 3 additional ER visits and 2 hospitalizations in Washington, Cheryl is being treated for suspected Myasthenia Gravis, a rare and serious debilitating neuromuscular condition. MG is difficult to diagnose and treat. Due to this, it could be months before she receives a correct diagnosis and proper treatment. Meanwhile, severe symptoms continue to persist in addition to side effects from multiple medications in doctors' attempt to treat MG or another possible neuromuscular disorder.

Despite these new trials, she has already faced a long history of health issues. Over the years she has persevered through complications with Crohn’s Disease, Long Covid, and surgery. Before getting sick Cheryl spent her time hiking, running, and working towards new mountaineering goals. Now Cheryl is bed-bound for 18- 20 hours a day and has difficulty doing her daily tasks, such as cooking meals, cleaning, dog walks, and driving. Currently, she receives help and support from family and friends, however, she lives alone and her entire family resides in Illinois.

Cheryl is a licensed mental health therapist with her own practice. Over the years, she has worked through many medical challenges because she loves her job. However, these new debilitating symptoms have made it impossible for Cheryl to push through work for more than a couple of hours a day. She has had to cut her caseload drastically and is heartbroken to not be able to support her clients as much as usual.

Being self-employed has left Cheryl with no paid leave or benefits during this medical emergency. She is in the process of applying for available state resources, which is a long process and will still not cover all needed costs. Over the last 2 - 3 months of not being able to work, she has exhausted all resources and savings. Medical bills are quickly adding up after 5 ER visits, 2 hospitalizations, MRIs, CT scans, and other extensive tests. Unfortunately, this is only the beginning of a long road for nerve and muscle testing, physical therapy, pulmonary tests and neuromuscular specialty visits.

The financial impact is becoming greater each day and there are still many unknowns. Despite it being difficult to accept financial help, it is a huge need, so we are asking on her behalf. Let's come together and help support Cheryl. She has always gone above and beyond to care for and support others in difficult situations. Now it is our turn to support her as she navigates this long road of diagnosis and treatment.

Please consider donating to help provide basic needs and pay her immediate bills (rent, food, electricity, phone, car, etc.). Any amount you're willing to contribute is greatly appreciated. If you're unable to contribute financially at this time, a share with your friends, family and community would mean the world to us as well.

Thank you so much for reading and helping in any way that you can. Please keep Cheryl in your thoughts and send some healing energy her way - let's get her back to the mountains soon, where her spirit belongs.