Update (12/12/25)

I just want to say thank you all so much for your support so far! The funds that were raised made a significant impact on my well-being and ability to rest the past few months as I've been going through extremely difficult physical and mental health challenges. I'm receiving out-patient care from specialists at National Jewish and have been getting evaluations and testing to rule out causes. This week, I was able to see a neurologist who confirmed my suspicions of post-covid SFN / MCAS(ish) and dysautonomia. I'm scheduled for EMG and Biopsy testing in the coming weeks (official diagnosis pending). This was an important step to getting more support and answers, it was also difficult to receive this news.

From the information I received from the neurologist and initial research I've done, this could take 6-12+ months of recovery time, potentially more because I have Hashimotos. That means limiting my schedule and stress significantly to improve chances for long-term healing. I’m scared and overwhelmed. This is going to take a lot of pacing and managing my energy effectively. I won't be able to get a full-time job in Jan or Feb like I had hoped. I'm looking into part-time remote work to help supplement, and that is dependent on how the recovery process is going in the next couple of months and if I can find employment option that is flexible enough.

I’m planning to apply for SSDI/SSI (this can often take up to a year to get approved with appeals). The next step is to reach out to community supports. I'm reaching out this coming week to local financial aid options for long covid and disability. And I've updated my initial goal on here to help get through the next three to four months to cover my basic living expenses. Any amount is extremely helpful and appreciated, as well as messages and shares with your community / network.

Thank you all so much for your love, care and mutual aid. It means a lot and has been so appreciated in this really difficult (and in moments really dark) period of time, healing and transition towards sustainability. I'm learning that asking for help = strength and we can get through the storms together.

Forrest

--- (original funding message)----

Hello friends, Forrest here.

I’m reaching out during one of the most challenging times of my life. Over the past several months, I’ve been battling severe health issues related to MCAS (Mast Cell Activation Syndrome), alongside chronic exhaustion, autistic burnout, anxiety, depression, and the aftermath of both medical and emotional stress. Working through a strict medical protocol (low-histamine diet, new medications, frequent doctor visits) has completely upended my ability to work and support myself.

Right now, I am at risk of losing my housing and struggling to cover basic living expenses—rent, groceries, and utilities. I’ve stretched my savings as far as they’ll go, received some support from family, and budgeted relentlessly, but my resources are now extremely limited.

For those who don’t know me: I’m a trans, queer, and autistic artist. I’ve spent the past ten years working in the commercial film industry as a sound designer and editor, helping clients bring their projects to life. I love playing music, making pottery, being in nature, connecting with my community, and creating typewriter poems for friends.

I’m currently working to secure a Medicaid referral to a specialist and get back to some income stability, but my health needs must come first so I can recover enough to return to work in any capacity.

I am asking for help to cover my most essential costs for the next two months—enough to keep a roof over my head, pay for food and utilities, and focus on recovery. Any contribution, no matter the amount, truly helps. Sharing this fundraiser also goes a long way.

Thank you for taking the time to read my story and support my journey. With your help, I can bridge this impossible moment and move toward hope and healing.

With immense gratitude,

Forrest

Breakdown of my estimated monthly expenses (for two months):

• Rent: $1,100

• Utilities: $200

• Groceries: $400

• Medications: $100

• Transportation: $100

• Other basics (insurance, toiletries, minimum payments): $100

Total goal: $4400