PLEASE NOTE: Please see my updates along with this intro, as my situation has taken a somewhat different and unexpected trajectory (for the time being) since I began this campaign.

Friends, Family, & Supporters:

What Happened?

At the end of June, I was let go from work, largely due to several ongoing health issues I've been dealing with. I have finally made the difficult decision to take this opportunity during my time off to address these issues now. I feel that if I neglect my health & instead try to return to work immediately, I will only get worse & be right back where I started.

What’s The Plan?

1) Two joints of my left pinky finger have not healed properly from a recent surgery. I just underwent another surgery at UW's Hand, Wrist, & Elbow Bone & Joint Surgery Center. One of these joints was rebuilt with cartilage from my wrist & the other joint had a pin placed in it. Recovery will take 6 weeks in a soft forearm splint with limited use of my index finger & thumb. I’ll be making a few follow-up visits back to UW with 3 months of physical therapy in Wenatchee.

2) Each of my feet have several fibromas, both in the arch & forefoot, which make it difficult for me to walk or stand for longer periods. In the coming weeks, I am scheduled to have one of the feet operated on, then the other. Each foot will take about four weeks of recovery in a soft boot. Both surgeries will be performed through the Foot & Ankle Center in Wenatchee.

3) In August, I have an appointment at Swedish with a colorectal surgeon to determine the likelihood of surgery (from a previous surgery repair) on part of my lower GI tract because its overall integrity has progressively worsened over the last two decades, making treatment now medically necessary.

4) In August, I also see an eye, ear, nose, & throat specialist to run diagnostic tests to help determine why I continue to have trouble sleeping at night & feeling fatigued during the day, despite using a CPAP machine. Given an already diagnosed narrowed airway, removal of tonsils, adenoids, &/or nasal polyps may be discussed.

5) Finally, I have another UW appointment in December through their Post Covid Rehab Clinic. I hope to find some solutions to the remaining debilitating symptoms I still experience after testing positive in June 2022, particularly post-exertional malaise & high intolerance to heat exposure.

My plan is to have these issues addressed by the New Year. I understand this a lofty goal, but I am committed to making my health my number one priority. As one friend put it to me, “if you don’t have your health, you have nothing.” By the time the New Year arrives, I plan to be underway in my search for employment.

How Can I Use Support?

While most of my direct medical expenses will be covered through my health insurance, there are many indirect expenses I could use support with. This is particularly true because I will be unemployed as I recover healthwise: transportation to & from medical providers (especially in the Seattle area), monthly rent, groceries (I do already use an EBT card for some of my groceries), monthly electric & cell bills, hygiene items, nonprescription medications (my prescription medications are covered), medical supplies & equipment, & other living or health-related extraneous expenses.

I also know there are other ways to support than just financially: by giving one’s time, expertise, thoughts/prayers, etc. In whatever way it may look, thank you immensely for your support during this challenging time. Ultimately, I am grateful for all of you in my life & I feel lucky for the parts of your lives you’ve chosen to share with me.

**If you choose to donate & prefer avoiding transactional fees from GoFundMe, please consider sending me your desired amount via Venmo. My username is @wandrinwondr

My sincerest thanks & blessings to you.