Long COVID Is Threatening My Health and Job — Please Help

I went from hiking mountains to struggling to get through a normal day.

I’m fighting to keep my health—and my job—while living with Long COVID, and I’m asking for help during one of the hardest chapters of my life.

I am raising $36,000 to help cover one year of medical care, testing, treatments, and financial stability while I fight to recover.

Hi, my name is Lilian, and I’m asking for help during one of the hardest chapters of my life.

Before Everything Changed

I used to spend my life outdoors—hiking, backpacking, camping, and playing beach volleyball.

Being active wasn’t just something I did—it was a core part of who I was.

I felt strong, independent, and full of energy.

How This Started

My health started to decline at the beginning of 2021. I later contracted COVID in 2023, after which my symptoms worsened significantly and eventually developed into Long COVID.

Since then, my health has not returned to what it once was.

What I Live With Now

I now deal with:

Brain fog

Dizziness

Crushing fatigue

Recurring gastrointestinal issues

Severe exercise intolerance

Anxiety

I also have reactivated Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV), which research suggests may be a contributing factor in Long COVID.

At least once a month, I experience intense flare-ups where I can barely function. During those periods, I often need 12–14 hours of sleep just to get through the day, and even then I feel completely drained.

My body feels heavy. My mind feels foggy. Even simple tasks can feel overwhelming.

There are days I am terrified I could lose both my health and my ability to support myself.

Without support, I may be forced to delay care while struggling to maintain financial stability and stay employed.

***I have medical documentation available and can share additional details privately if needed.***

The Life I Miss

I used to be active and outdoors constantly—hiking, backpacking, camping, and playing sports were a huge part of my identity.

What once restored me now often comes with setbacks afterward.

I miss being spontaneous. I miss social events, concerts, travel, and simply feeling like myself.

The loss has been deeply isolating.

Work Stress & Financial Fear

With ongoing corporate restructuring and layoffs at my company, job security feels uncertain.

There are days when I can barely function—but I continue doing everything I can to stay employed and stable.

The fear of losing my income while managing chronic illness is overwhelming.

What I’m Doing to Heal

I am actively under medical care and pursuing multiple approaches, including:

Physician visits and specialist consultations

Diagnostic testing and lab work

Prescription medications

Evidence-informed supportive therapies

Symptom management tools and supplements

Recovery has been slow, unpredictable, and expensive.

Many Long COVID-related evaluations, treatments, and supportive therapies are poorly covered—or not covered at all—by insurance, leaving significant out-of-pocket costs.

Where Your Support Goes

Doctor visits & specialists: $300–$600/month

Medications & supplements: $200–$400/month

Lab testing & diagnostics: $500–$800/month

Treatments & therapies: $500–$1.000/month

Estimated monthly total: $1,500 – $3,000

Why This Matters

I am fighting every day to rebuild my health and my life.

Right now, I just need support to keep going.

Thank You

If you are able to donate, thank you from the bottom of my heart.

If you cannot, sharing this campaign would still mean the world to me.

Thank you for reading my story and for supporting me through this fight.

With gratitude,

Lilian