Hi, my name is Gabriella. I’m organizing this fundraiser for my aunt, Claudia, who is urgently seeking medical care and support. The message below is in her own words, based on what she wrote and what she is currently experiencing.

Claudia’s story

Hi, my name is Claudia. I’m currently in Sacramento, California, and I’m asking for help to get urgent medical care, regain stability, and relocate back to Los Angeles where I can return to the doctors who know my history and can properly treat my condition.

In 2018, I had a serious foot injury after an accident. Since then, my health has continued to decline. I’ve been dealing with CRPS Type 1, severe inflammation, lymphedema, swollen feet, and a skin disorder that has made everyday life extremely difficult.

Over time, the pain and swelling have gotten so severe that I can’t walk anymore and now rely on a wheelchair. I am only able to wear one pair of shoes because of how swollen and painful my feet are. Sleep is difficult because the pain affects my hips, knees, legs, and feet, and I often have to lie on my back with my legs twisted because I can’t straighten them comfortably.

I desperately need medical testing and treatment that we haven’t been able to afford. Doctors found 3 thyroid lumps that are growing, and was told I need two thyroid biopsies. I’ve also found 4 lumps on my arm/shoulder that need to be checked. Doctors have also told me that I need a bladder surgery, but it hasn’t been done because we don’t have the support or financial ability to move forward with it right now.

My husband is my caretaker, but he also has health issues of his own. He works full-time doing maintenance work to keep us afloat, and it has been taking a toll on him physically, especially with complications from a past hip replacement. Even with him working, we’ve been living paycheck to paycheck, barely covering basic needs like food and rent, while trying to manage medical debt and daily expenses. Because of finances, we have been unable to pay for health insurance for the past 6 months, and without consistent care, I’ve been getting worse.

We are in Sacramento right now without family support. I need to go back to Los Angeles to see the doctors who can help me and to restart consistent medical care especially pain management, which I haven’t seen a specialist for in 4+ years. We are also trying to secure a stable apartment there so I can safely live while getting treatment.

Thank you for taking the time to read my story and for any support you can offer whether that’s donating or sharing. Your help gives us a real chance to get the medical care I need and some stability for both me and my husband.

God bless.