Hi! I’m Grace!

I’m starting this GoFundMe to raise funds for my upcoming appointments at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN. This September, I was diagnosed with Narcolepsy after experiencing symptoms for a decade, but I still have a lot of unexplained, alarming symptoms that doesn't explain. My doctor and I know something else is very wrong; she suspects some other conditions, including rare autoimmune, neurological, or connective tissue disorders.

Most people that know me have seen me be an energetic, passionate, driven person, full of life and performing all the time, working and still having energy to go out with friends and live life; now that my disorders have progressed, my family and friends see someone who struggles daily with extreme pain, physically incapacitating exhaustion and cognitive problems, full of anger and shame for not doing “more”. I want to do more, work hard, and love life again. I have two college degrees that I can't use right now. Last year, I had to quit my job as a barista that I’d had for nearly 7 years, and I’ve recently had to pause my jewelry/art business because my hands can’t handle the fine motor skills needed without pain that makes it impossible to continue. On good days, I can do computer work for a few hours; on bad days, I’m barely able to function.

My current doctor is the first doctor to take my pain and ever-growing list of seemingly disconnected symptoms seriously. Since I wasn’t taken seriously before, I kept pushing myself, believing the doctors who said it was in my head. I’ve caused permanent damage by doing this, and my doctors and I are on a mission to get my diagnoses before I do any more irreparable damage to my body.

I’m really relieved that after years of inconclusive tests and constant appointments, I’ve finally been approved for specialized care at Mayo Clinic- one of the top medical centers in the world. Unfortunately, Mayo Clinic doesn’t accept out-of-state Medicaid, which means my family and I are facing a significant financial challenge. The upfront deposit alone is $5,700, plus travel and accommodation for that week for my mom and me and any additional testing they order.

My journey to a diagnosis has been long and exhausting, but I’m hopeful that Mayo Clinic can provide some of the answers I desperately need. I want to genuinely thank you all SO much in advance for any contribution at all, whether it be financial support, emotional support, sharing, or just rooting for me from afar. My community is what’s kept me going for this long, and I can’t express how grateful I am to have you all in my life fighting for my future with me! <3