Support Mariah's Medical Recovery Journey

Hi, my name is Mariah!

I'm creating this gofundme as medically the past 3 months have been extremely difficult for me and now it is becoming financially difficult.

Medical history: I was diagnosed with Paraplegia (T10-T12) in 03/2021. I have spinal damage and thus my upper body works, but my legs do not. I rely solely on a wheelchair and normally when I am well I am pretty much independent and able to take care of myself. I have Spinal and Brain AVMs, which have caused a previous brain bleed and they are the cause of the paraplegia.

Unfortunately in the beginning of 12/2024 I developed Dysphagia (difficulty swallowing) after choking on dinner one evening. It's been 3 months in and out of hospitals trying to figure out the cause of the continued Dysphagia and trying to combat malnutrition. The Dysphagia at its worst point made it difficult to even drink water, let alone consume any food. I've lost about 20 lb and the effects this has had on body over the last few months have been severe.

I am currently admitted in the hospital - I'm on day 12 of this hospital stay so far - and I have no idea when I will be released to go home, get back to work, etc.

I have a very large pressure sore wound on my tailbone that started out as rug burn. The malnutrition from the Dysphagia made it very easy for my skin to break down and for the wound to worsen at an alarming rate. I've now had two surgeries on the wound as it is infected and septic. A large amount of dead tissue has been removed from the wound, leaving a long recovery ahead of me and a few more surgeries possible in the future.

I have now exhausted all of my PTO with my company during this hospital stay. I've talked to my Doctor about filling out FMLA paperwork but she states she cannot do so until they are a bit more certain of when I will be released from the hospital.

At this point, I am afraid of losing my life, my job, my home, and being able to afford to live as I will be on an unpaid (and unprotected) leave from work for an unforeseen amount of time.

If you cannot donate, that is completely fine! I appreciate well wishes or shares in lieu of a donation with all of my heart.