Support Kendall's Fight Against hEDS and Fibromyalgia

Hi everyone,

I never imagined I’d be in a position where I needed to ask for help, but I’ve recently been diagnosed with Hypermobility Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (hEDS)—a genetic connective tissue disorder that affects my joints, causes chronic pain, and makes everyday tasks difficult.

Why I Need Your Help

Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome is a spectrum disorder, meaning it affects everyone differently, with varying degrees of severity. Unfortunately, in addition to EDS, I also have fibromyalgia, which intensifies my pain and fatigue, making everyday life even more challenging.

For years, I have struggled with symptoms like joint instability, chronic pain, and extreme fatigue, but over the last 6–9 months, my independence has significantly declined. I have lost the ability to drive, perform daily tasks without assistance, and even continue my education. Sadly, I was forced to medically withdraw from nursing school, a dream I had worked so hard to pursue.

As my condition worsened, I found myself in need of mobility aids and assistive tools just to get through the day. The pain has become overwhelming, making even simple joys like baking, hiking, and reading feel out of reach.

Despite these challenges, I am hopeful. With physical therapy, occupational therapy, and pelvic floor therapy, I have a chance to regain some independence and improve my quality of life. However, the most effective treatment available to me—a 3-week outpatient Pain Rehabilitation Center Program at the Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, Florida—is not covered by insurance and costs $30,000. This program specializes in treating complex chronic pain conditions like mine and could be life-changing.

How Your Support Can Change My Life

Your generosity would allow me to:

✅ Attend the Mayo Clinic Pain Rehabilitation Center Program to manage my symptoms

✅ Continue physical, occupational, and pelvic floor therapy to regain independence

✅ Purchase necessary mobility aids and accessibility tools, such as a wheelchair, custom fitted braces/splints, shower tools, and more

✅ Afford medical-related expenses that insurance won’t cover

My ultimate goal is to reclaim my independence, reduce my pain, and be able to do the things I love again—baking, hiking, and getting lost in a good book.

Any contribution, no matter how small, will make a difference. Even if you can’t donate, sharing my story with others would mean the world to me.

Thank you for taking the time to read my story and for your kindness and support.

With gratitude,

Kendall