Support Jayleen's Fight Against POTS

Dear friends and family,

My name is Jayleen Gonzalez, and at only 16 years old, I have been diagnosed with Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS), a condition that causes nervous system dysfunction and issues with regulating my heart rate, blood pressure, and blood circulation. For over a year, I have been rushed to the hospital 7 times through rescue and have had heart rate spikes of up to 198 beats per minute. When these episodes happen, my feet and hands become purple, my blood pressure skyrockets, my body shakes uncontrollably, and my heart races so fast that I faint. These episodes are becoming more frequent and severe, causing me to become bound to a bed and unable to attend school for two entire months. It's terrifying, and it hurts to see my parents and ER doctors struggle to help me.

This condition has affected me medically, socially, and emotionally. I can't walk around my own house without clinging to my parents for support or being pushed in a wheelchair. I can't even shower without assistance. Non-pharmacological methods of treating this condition haven't helped, and my case has been so severe that I desperately need medical exams and medications to keep my body under control. I miss the life I had — being able to walk on my own and seeing my friends at school.

The exams, scans, and treatment that I need are extremely expensive, and most are not being covered by my insurance. My dad is the only one providing for my family and my medical expenses, but we're struggling. My mother stays home to take care of my younger brother, who is autistic and nonverbal and requires specialized care.

It pains me to have to write this and to beg for help, but I want to get better. I want to be able to walk on my own again. I want to be able to go to school and see my friends. I want to be able to participate in my favorite activities at school like Choir and my Marine/Environmental Club.

Any donation, no matter how big or small, means the entire world to me and gives me a chance to find the solution to my chronic illness. Every bit of support gets me one step closer to getting my life again.

Thank you all so much for taking the time to read my story. Your support and compassion mean the entire world to my family and me as we navigate to find the best treatment for my condition.