Our dear friend M (anonymized here for safety reasons) is facing a sudden health crisis. M has lived with chronic illnesses that have evaded formal diagnoses for more than 10 years, and this past summer she developed sudden onset neurological symptoms alongside novel worsening physical symptoms. While waiting for a neurology appointment, she had a fall that has left her in near constant pain and unable to functionally move due to a nerve injury.

Navigating insurance just to get basic diagnostic testing, let alone treatment, is hard enough. But M is a working tattoo artist who supports herself and her family, and the financial burden of becoming this disabled has become untenable.

If you are able, please donate whatever you can afford. It would ease the stress of mounting medical bills, rent, and basic day to day costs so that she can focus on her health and getting the care she needs. Circulating this fundraiser is just as impactful; every small donation and signal boost counts! Lifting some of the weight of this unbelievably difficult situation through our collective effort feels doable, and it will mean everything to M, her sister, her mother, and those of us who are her chosen family.

It is difficult to overstate the thoughtfulness and care M brings to those around her, whether in her tattoo practice or as an active member of the queer artist communities that undergird Durham. M has always been the first to participate in mutual aid and community organizing, always boosting those who need help the most, having come from a social work background that she now infuses into her tattoo practice. She is the best gift giver I know and a deeply present daughter, sibling, and friend. I am continually blown away by the way she considers and cares for others.

M has faced every hardship life has dealt her with steadfastness. It would be easy to become cynical after everything she has been through, but as her close friend, I've watched her draw from a core of deep empathy and resilience and face each challenge head on during the 15+ years I have known her.

M is the last person to ask for help frivolously. But anyone who has dealt with sudden, disabling, and complicated illness in our current healthcare system knows that it is a compounding, relentless battle that can quickly leave you drowning in medical debt and stress, until somehow your health becomes the last priority. I want M to put herself and her health first for once. After always caring for everyone else, this time, I hope we can take care of her!

This goal has been set to afford M and her family time to pursue further testing, diagnosis, and treatment for a myriad of long-lasting symptoms over the next six months. These funds will help cover insurance fees, copays for doctor’s visits, ER visits/other medical bills, medications, mobility aids, rent, and daily care needs for M’s wellness. We have also compiled a wishlist of items that would benefit M, if you are more inclined to send a helpful item instead. https://giftlist.com/l/gUikwj4VKX