On Feb 13th  2019, my life abruptly changed when I suddenly began experiencing seizures (later diagnosed as non epileptic seizures or NES) and lost the ability to speak or move for hours at a time. Symptoms ranged from full body seizures to facial spasms, involuntary arm and leg movements, loss of speech & difficulty swallowing which left me exhausted and with terrible brain fog. Thankfully, the really bad stuff (tumors, cancer, auto-immune disorders, stroke) were ruled out! But then-why was this happening to me? I (mostly) look fine, as if nothing is wrong; it all seems so surreal, like a terrible nightmare!

     This whole experience has been extremely frightening and perplexing as I’ve always been a very physically active, health conscious individual. I am a single mom of 3 beautiful daughters (14, 24 & 26yrs) who is hard working, social and happy! Though my 2 oldest girls have left home, they have been a great help to me but ultimately must return home and to their own lives. I feel robbed of the ability to continue supporting myself and my family.

    There seemed to be no evident reason for these strange episodes and symptoms that have forced me to stop working, even after trying to go back. I am debilitated by the seizures and subsequent symptoms and some days, struggle to get out of bed to care for and support my daughter. Unfortunately, I did not have critical illness insurance or savings so was forced to apply for Medical E.I. in order to survive; however, it's not enough to cover bills, pay rent & support my youngest daughter. It was 6 weeks without a paycheque from the last episode that landed me in the hospital emergency once again. The bills piled up!

     While on medical leave, the medical benefits package through my workplace is not covered, leaving me with a bill of over $500 per month in order to ensure coverage continues for my daughter and myself. We have been at our rental home for nearly 8 years and am attempting to keep life as stable as possible for my youngest daughter. I am hoping to raise $5000 to cover 3 months of rent ($1600.00 is urgently needed for May rent) as medical EI benefits run out July 6th 2019 & there is a 5 month waiting period before Long term disability insurance benefits would begin.

     I was really hoping to be able to resume my life and return to work after a long awaited appointment with the neuropsychiatrist this past week, but realized after seeing him, that I am just starting on the long road to recovery. I finally recieved a probable diagnosis; Functional Neurological Disorder.  I am now admitted to the program for functional movement disorders at his clinic and will be going through a lengthy process of uncovering a possible root cause.

     Asking for help and putting this out there for all to read has definitely been a humbling experience. Thank you kindly for taking the time to read my story and for considering my cause!