My life changed completely a year ago. Last March I learned the definition of trigeminal neuralgia: a condition that causes painful sensations similar to an electric shock on one side of the face. A panoramic X-ray, 3-D x-ray, 2 MRIs, and a lumbar puncture later, I was floored to find out that I have multiple sclerosis on top of trigeminal neuralgia. I went from being a healthy, working 2 jobs, independent woman to having to quit my part time job and relying on others. I finally couldn’t take the pain of my trigeminal neuralgia anymore and was referred to a wonderful neurosurgeon in Roanoke. On February 16, I had microvascular decompression brain surgery! I spent a week in ICU recovering only to get readmitted not even a week later due to leaking from my incision. I spent another week in the hospital and underwent another surgery due to my body rejecting the adhesive they used. I’ve never asked for money before and feel extremely vulnerable for doing this, but it would mean not only a great deal to me but also my wonderful mom who has helped me in so many ways. Medical bills have become overwhelming not just from the surgery but from the procedures done last year. Any bit will help! I am proud to say I am back at my full time job now! Thank y’all!!!