Hello everyone, my name is Mia.

I’m 24 years old, and I am slowly dying. I have over 15 diagnosed medical conditions, including a genetic condition that is less than one in a million. Chances are, you’ve never heard of it. Its name is Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, tenascin-X deficient type. This deficiency causes daily joint dislocations, gastroparesis, intestinal dysmotility, mast cell activation syndrome, and so many more comorbidities, all of which I have been diagnosed with. Another disorder I have is Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency, which causes my liver to not function properly and a predisposition to COPD, which I have been diagnosed with. Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, specifically the type that I have, has a life expectancy of 25-35. This is not the case for all, but with my other conditions, I have a very poor prognosis. It has caused almost every condition I have. I have also been battling cancer since May of last year, and as you can imagine, the medical bills are piling up, and I am currently out of work on FMLA, unsure of when I will be able to return to work. I absolutely hate asking for help, but this is my last resort for getting the medical treatments I need. I am also suspected to have a neuromuscular disease that is undiagnosed, which I am supposed to go to Stanford Medical Center to finally get a proper diagnosis.

I’ve beaten the odds many times, but this time I may not. I’ve had over 39 surgeries thus far, and many more to come. I wasn’t supposed to make it to 10 years old, but I did. The doctors said I wouldn’t make it to 16, but here I am today. Due to my current situation, I am completely bedridden and unable to stand up without collapsing or passing out.

I take care of my disabled sister, which also causes financial distress. On October 18th, 2023, I lost my mother to terminal cancer. With that being said, I don’t have any other help. It’s just me.

I always try to make the best of a bad situation, but this time I can’t.

If you choose to donate, any amount is appreciated. Any prayers are greatly appreciated as well. Thank you for taking the time to read this.