Longtime Encinitas devotee Sara Finnie is a good friend of mine who has been dealing with an avalanche of serious health concerns for more than a year. It’s heart-wrenching to see her deal with so much. On top of this her identity was stolen, complicating her financial strain. The details listed below don’t even do justice to what’s she’s going through.

Here is Sara’s journey, in her own words.

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I was encouraged to start a GoFundMe months ago, but my ego prevented me as it is very humbling to ask for help. But I am now at my wit's end and close to a breaking point.

In June of 2024, I had an unexplained weight loss of 10+ pounds and my health has been compromised ever since. The stress of multiple specialists, keeping up with all the different doctors, hospitals, scans, surgeries, etc. has left me severely compromised in ability to work consistently, if at all. I have always had gnarly insomnia, which has been amplified by some of the conditions I have, and along with the financial strain it has been extremely overwhelming.

This has been a bit of a lonely journey for me with no single person knowing everything medically because it’s so much and I don’t want to be a burden to anybody. My two daughters have helped me financially but it has been going on so long, they are stretched. I would be grateful for any support, financial or otherwise, more than you know. Even connecting with someone who has had PCS or multiple melanomas would be appreciated.

Here is what I’ve been and am still dealing with:

• Follicular Carcinoma (thyroid cancer) — surgery in January 2025 (all clear, no radiation, etc.). I do have a remaining thyroid lobe which has a nodule and needs annual monitoring.

• Malignant Melanomas — fourth Melanoma Excision surgery in August 2024, and a fifth Melanoma Esxcision in July 2025. I have multiple atypical moles (pre-melanomas) which need monitoring every few months. The dermatology situation alone has been extremely challenging. I have a PET scan scheduled.

• Pelvic Congestion Syndrome (PCS) — a very painful pelvic disorder that results in chronic pain and seems to be worse for me at night. I had an Ovarian Vein Embolization surgery in August of this year in hopes of getting relief. I will be monitored for the next 6 months to see if the procedure is effective. Another more invasive GYN surgery will be the next step but I was told "there is no cure" so it is frustrating.

• Severe treatment-resistant insomnia — a long-standing condition that’s exacerbated by the PCS, Restless Leg Syndrome, night sweats, and stress from health and financial issues.

• Osteoarthritis + osteophytosis — I’ve been dealing with hip pain for a year and a half and been authorized for hip replacement surgery but have been too overwhelmed to get that scheduled.

• Endocervical polyp biopsy surgery. Originally scheduled for July. I put it off due to overwhelm but need to have it soon. In November 2024, I had an endometrial polyp biopsied and during that surgery, the gynecologist perforated my uterus, which is very rare and a contributing factor to me postponing a similar surgery. (I have changed my GYN)

• Wrist surgery is scheduled for later this month for tenosynovitis and two cysts.

• The health and financial stresses have caused significant anxiety and depression.