Imagine waking up one day and realizing you’ve lost your voice. Not just for a few days, not from a cold—but for months, with no clear explanation. You try to speak, but nothing comes out. You watch your livelihood slip away. That’s my reality.

Hi, my name is Heather. I’m 43 and currently living overseas in Brazil (that’s a story in and of itself) and have found myself in a scary situation in which I need help—more help than I wonder is even possible, but I’m not willing to give up!!

4.5 months ago I lost my voice. I was an English teacher, but without a voice I had to stop teaching, which has caused tremendous financial difficulties. A few people were able to contribute to help me survive for a while, but that is coming to an end and I’m still searching for answers.

I’d like to explain my condition to you, share the therapies I’ve already tried and ask for your financial help, prayers and support!

Functional Neurological Disorder or FND. That’s what I’ve officially been diagnosed with. FND can have many symptoms; mine are all speech related. I can produce a whisper, but I am incapable of producing sound at the moment unless I’m laughing or crying. I can’t even seem to produce sound if I fake laugh or cry—it simply doesn’t work.

FND is a condition that affects how the brain sends and receives information to the body; in my case, to my voice. It’s a software problem, not a hardware problem.

With FND it’s like the brain’s software has a glitch. The wires aren’t broken, and the muscles can still work, but the messages get mixed up or don’t go through properly. It’s not something I’m doing on purpose, and it’s not in my imagination—it’s just that my brain is stuck in the wrong pattern.

Sometimes, my voice will come back for a brief second (like when a frozen computer suddenly works again), but then the glitch kicks in. Essentially I need to reset my whole system.

So far I have seen 6 ENTs, a neurologist, two pulmonologists, a psychiatrist, a psychologist, a neuropsychologist, and countless speech language pathologists. I have had many tests done—all of which confirm this isn’t a hardware problem. Meaning, my vocal cords are intact, I don’t have any tumors, nerve issues or anything like that. It’s a connection issue.

I’ve been in speech therapy for 2.5 months now. For almost one entire month I went every single day for multiple sessions a day. I’ve tried acupuncture, reiki, essential oils, massage therapy, and even weekly talk therapy to try to work through these issues!! And while I’ve had amazing therapists for all of these things, nothing has worked so far! I’m at the point where no one knows what else to do for me, so I started researching like crazy!

I joined several online support groups for people with FND and began reading stories. I looked into FND specialists, which there are very few of in the world, as unfortunately it’s not a very well known condition. It used to be believed that people were faking this condition, but science now shows that it is absolutely not the case.

In my search, I came across a rehab center that specializes in FND. For those who would like to look it up, it’s called APEX Brain Centers in Asheville/Arden NC. I had an online consultation with them and the doctor who I spoke with very much feels like they can help me in their 10 day intensive outpatient rehab program. What a relief to my ears!!! The equipment they have is incredible and the Dr referred to it as a “brain boot camp.” They do QEEGs which is a brain mapping to help create a personalized treatment plan. They use transcranial electric stimulation, hyperbaric oxygen therapy and so much more! It’s really top notch therapy!

That’s where I need your help! I need to find people who have the ability and compassion to financially help me make this treatment possible. With rehab, lodging, food and flights, I’m looking at an overwhelming amount of money for me, but an amount that I know is attainable if it’s meant to be. The total for all of the above mentioned things is going to be around $14,750 (insurance is not accepted, but they are providing me a huge discount!!).

While that sounds insane, I also stop to think about what my voice is worth. Without it, I can’t interview for a job!!! I can’t order food at a restaurant. I can’t answer a phone call. I can’t even say ‘I love you’ out loud to the people who matter most. My words are trapped inside me, and I desperately need help to get them back! I’m thankful for written words, but we all know that verbal communication is essential to do anything these days.

Every day that passes without the right treatment makes it harder for my brain to reset. The sooner I can get to APEX Brain Centers, the better my chances of recovery. But I can’t do it alone.

Is this something you’re willing to help me fight for? Would you consider donating to this treatment plan of mine? I would be forever grateful and will pay it back in acts of kindness in the future!

Think about it like this: If 300 people donated just $49–the price of dinner for two or several specialty coffees—I would reach my goal. If you can give more, incredible. If you can’t donate, please SHARE my story. Every action counts!!!

My voice is my lifeline, and I refuse to give up on getting it back. If you’re able to contribute, I will be forever grateful. If you can’t, please share this with someone who might be able to help. Let’s make this happen—together!

Thank you to everyone who has supported me in my journey so far! Soooo many people are praying for me, and that alone means a ton! I believe that God is opening doors to use doctors, and every day people, thru their donations and prayers to help cure me!

Email me if you have any questions!

Thank you so much!!! -Heather