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Hey there, friends. Mel Haskell here.
For years, I've felt sluggish, fought off flareups of crippling soreness, and struggled with what I thought was normal pain in my lower back and sternum. But by the end of January, 2026, I couldn't deny that something was seriously wrong. After a day of side work cleaning, I suddenly found myself bedridden and in immense pain.
I thought I could wait it out. But it didn't get better. I've been unable to walk since then. My life changed quickly and drastically.
Today, I finally have an answer as to what's happening to me. I've been diagnosed with Ankylosing Spondylitis, an autoimmune disorder where my body attacks its own joints. This often starts with pain in the spine, hips, and sternum and eventually can progress into fusion of the spinal cord and complete immobility.
While medical coverage in Canada is great, I still need lots of help. Funds sent to me will be used to:
- Cover costs of medications which can help counteract my AS
- Explore weight loss treatments which can slow down joint deterioration and reduce body inflammation
- Hire physical therapists and trainers to help the slow recovery process along
- Pay off survival debts accumulated during my leave from work
- Buy specialized home equipment to help me recover some sense of normalcy and comfort
- Save for mobility solutions in case my situation continues to deteriorate
I have so much left in my life to do, and I'm not about to quit just because of this. So, give me a hand. Let's see just how many more incredible life experiences lay ahead of me!
Thank you, everyone.