Support Tori: Health & Finance Struggles

Hello everyone,

My name is Tori, and I'm reaching out to share a part of my life's journey that has been filled with challenges and obstacles. I find myself in a situation where I'm living with chronic illnesses, and the associated financial strain has become overwhelming. I've started this GoFundMe campaign to ask for support during this difficult time.

Living with chronic illnesses has been a life-altering experience. Each day is a new challenge, and I have been unable to work regularly for the last 2+ years due to the unpredictable nature of my conditions.

Over the past five years, my symptoms have worsened, including widespread pain, regular joint subluxations, exhaustion/fatigue, digestive issues, light-headedness, racing heart, autonomic dysfunction, a herniated disc in my lower back, and more.

If you've seen my story before, you may know I'm on a medical journey to seek answers to my mounting health issues, likely stemming from Hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, Mast Cell Activation Syndrome & Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome.

At this time, I've been told by multiple medical professionals that I likely have these conditions. Yet still, I am currently on a year-long waitlist to see a specialist who can FORMALLY diagnose me.

Because they are considered rare, I cannot get proper care related to these conditions without a diagnosis. Having people experienced with these conditions is paramount, as I found out when completing physical therapy with someone not well versed in hypermobility. This led to a 3-day hospital stay with a herniated disc in my lower back & months of confinement to my bed & couch.

I'm reaching out today because, despite my best efforts, I'm struggling to keep up with my life. It's disheartening to see the mounting credit card balances and the medical care and prescription costs that I cannot ignore.

Adding to the situation's complexity, I temporarily relocated to Arkansas from Arizona. Unfortunately, my Arizona state insurance does not cover doctor visits or the prescriptions I need to fill here in Arkansas. This has created a significant burden when I don't have a reliable, steady income to replace it.

We will soon move back to Arizona, but with that comes more costs for driving, hotels, food, etc.

Your support will make a meaningful difference in my life. The funds raised through this campaign will cover my bill minimums, purchase groceries necessities/items to prevent or help with symptoms, cover the essential medical care and prescription costs crucial for managing my health, and help with our journey back to AZ.

With your kindness, compassion, and generosity, I hope to find some stability and relief I desperately need during this challenging period.

I understand times are tough for everyone, and any contribution is greatly appreciated. Your support will help ease my financial burden and give me the emotional strength to continue managing my chronic illnesses.

Your support means the world to me, and I'm incredibly grateful for every donation, regardless of size. Even just sharing this will help greatly.

Thank you for taking the time to read my story, and thank you for your support.

With heartfelt gratitude,

Tori McDowell