Taking Care of the Caretaker- Help for Dr. Dawn
Donation protected
In November of 2018, Dr. Dawn Toth, a beloved N.D., nutritionist, therapist, trainer and healer, was diagnosed with Stiff Person Syndrome. Stiff Person Syndrome (SPS) is a very rare and progressive autoimmune disorder that affects the nervous system, specifically the brain and spinal cord. It causes extreme muscle stiffening, rigidity and painful spasms in the trunk and limbs, severely impairing function and mobility. There is no cure.
Dr. Dawn has spasms and tightening in her throat and vocal chords to the point of not being able to talk or even breathe. Her legs have stiffened and weakened to the point that she is unable walk and has to rely on a walker or wheelchair. She has esophageal dystonia which has caused such rapid abdominal distention, she can barely eat. She has had numerous falls and this combined with the force of the spasms put her at risk for fractures. In a matter of a year, Dr. Dawn went from working 7 days a week to being unable to care for herself, her home and the most basic of tasks.
Since Dr. Dawn has been the sole earner of her independent practice, she needs the help of her community now more than ever. We have started this GoFundMe in effort to raise funds to help with the growing mountain of hospital and doctor bills, her ongoing therapy and medications, out of state visits to the specialists and her living expenses while we wait the 6 months it takes to be approved for Social Security. And while she is determined to continue offering N.D. consults and nutritional counseling, at the moment, she needs more time and the funds to focus on taking care of herself.
Dawn Toth has been a nurturer and a care giver for her entire life. Over the years her house was always a safe place for those robbed of their agency, both people and animals. She herself had been through years of horrific abuse and she knew she had the capacity to protect and heal. In 2012, she decided to take this oath to the next level and get her doctorate. Dr. Dawn opened up her practice shortly after and has changed the lives of countless patients. She developed a reputation for being the doctor who could help when everything else had failed.
My aunt is the kindest, most generous person I have ever met. She has supported and improved the lives of thousands of people. This disease has destroyed her life and everything she loved. We can’t cure it, we can’t take away her pain, but we CAN take away some of the worry and anxiety around basic survival and her treatment. Anything and everything is appreciated and if you cannot donate, please SHARE the link so as to spread the message. If you prefer to donate services, she desperately needs dependable help with yard and home care.
Dr. Dawn has spasms and tightening in her throat and vocal chords to the point of not being able to talk or even breathe. Her legs have stiffened and weakened to the point that she is unable walk and has to rely on a walker or wheelchair. She has esophageal dystonia which has caused such rapid abdominal distention, she can barely eat. She has had numerous falls and this combined with the force of the spasms put her at risk for fractures. In a matter of a year, Dr. Dawn went from working 7 days a week to being unable to care for herself, her home and the most basic of tasks.
Since Dr. Dawn has been the sole earner of her independent practice, she needs the help of her community now more than ever. We have started this GoFundMe in effort to raise funds to help with the growing mountain of hospital and doctor bills, her ongoing therapy and medications, out of state visits to the specialists and her living expenses while we wait the 6 months it takes to be approved for Social Security. And while she is determined to continue offering N.D. consults and nutritional counseling, at the moment, she needs more time and the funds to focus on taking care of herself.
Dawn Toth has been a nurturer and a care giver for her entire life. Over the years her house was always a safe place for those robbed of their agency, both people and animals. She herself had been through years of horrific abuse and she knew she had the capacity to protect and heal. In 2012, she decided to take this oath to the next level and get her doctorate. Dr. Dawn opened up her practice shortly after and has changed the lives of countless patients. She developed a reputation for being the doctor who could help when everything else had failed.
My aunt is the kindest, most generous person I have ever met. She has supported and improved the lives of thousands of people. This disease has destroyed her life and everything she loved. We can’t cure it, we can’t take away her pain, but we CAN take away some of the worry and anxiety around basic survival and her treatment. Anything and everything is appreciated and if you cannot donate, please SHARE the link so as to spread the message. If you prefer to donate services, she desperately needs dependable help with yard and home care.
Organizer
Brandi Shea
Organizer
Portland, OR