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Hi. My name is Erin O’Dowd. I am a local Nashville musician (from Tulsa and Appalachia) in urgent need of help to recover from a health crisis. Due to Hand Surgery, Osteomyelitis, and multiple debilitating Neurological Disorders, I am currently severely limited with what/how much I can do.
I had been off work completely for MONTHS and have NO SAVINGS and NO AVAILABLE CREDIT left. The doctors predict it will be a full year before I have full use of the hand. Until then, I am disabled.
I am currently navigating SOME REALLY SCARY STUFF. It’s possible that I may have a TERMINAL Neurological Disorder. It’s also possible that I will need CyberKnife surgery on my left Trigeminal Nerve.
That is an invasive brain surgery that often causes patients to lose feeling on one side their face, and often hearing or vision too.
January 27th, I lost my best friend Prince (& Service Dog for CPTSD). He had a Seizure while dying and bit my finger. I developed Osteomyelitis as a result, a life-threatening infection.
February 18th, I had Orthopaedic Surgery to remove infected bone from my Right Ring Finger and was hospitalized for 1 week. After 1 month of bedrest & terrifying drug reactions like tremors, (7 different medications and hoping the infection left and I could keep my fingertip….) I have had a very long, slow paced recovery… that will last a full year.
I just can’t make ends meet right now. I can’t play my instruments. I can’t sing much. I can’t work even a full part-time schedule. I do what I can but have limited working hours. Weight and lifting restrictions. My hand gets spasmed and useless really easily, and so do I. I get shocking nerve pains that go up to a 10/10 pain.
Your contribution will allow me to cover necessary SURVIVAL EXPENSES so I can recover, as well as WEEKLY out-of-pocket Medical Costs (needed for Physical Therapies which are a NECESSITY for my recovery, but not covered by insurance.)
I just really want to get better.
It can’t be done without your help!
Thank you for sharing this.
Thank you for helping with what you can.
It truly takes a village and I thank you for taking just a few minutes of your time & energy to make a full recovery possible!
I am really scared, but I am also hopeful I’ll live on to see a full life. I want to reverse any negative trends in my health but I need your help to do it.
The more help I can get now, the better. The faster I will recover. The faster I will be healthy and self-sufficient again!!!!
Thank you very much for taking the time to help a musician & community member in need. Even $20 means keeping cell service on and a roof over my head. And remember, Shares = Donations. Text your people! See how they can help.
I have had an incredible journey, and I want to be able to make an incredible impact on this world! #goteamerin
***** VENMO, ZELLE, PAYPAL, & CASHAPP are also accepted and will not incur fees & expedite availability of funds.
$ErinODowd
I am very grateful to my friends & my music community. I am graciously asking for your assistance. Anything helps… check my most recent update for specific things I need help with.
Thank you, from the bottom of our hearts!
Erin (& Sky Prince)
P.S. I am taking steps to explore disability, but that can take anywhere from 1-2 years to achieve, if at all!
More info…
Up until early February, I awaited a diagnosis of Oromandibular and Cervical Dystonia. I just had my first quarterly treatment in April. My condition was really going downhill. This nervous system disorder causes daily migraine, worsened TMJ & neuralgia, severe fatigue, dizziness, and pain, and cognitive issues.
Meanwhile, this spring my home “went up in smoke” due to neighbors smoking cigarettes heavily. I was very sick from it by the time I had to quickly move, and I lost a bulk of my possessions that were ruined. They were also developing mold due to the tar buildup and lack of building maintenance. This greatly affected my overall health. My debt had already piled up heavily after having to move due to harrassment, which caused me great financial loss. I was already maxed out due ton ongoing illness and unable to afford out of pocket care, and awaiting a diagnosis for the neurological conditions. That is when I launched this campaign. (The bulk of off platform donations were received many months ago, but I just was able to add them in about two months ago… my original goal of $5K was set before the bite and surgery! And before the big scary diagnoses.)
I had to wait for insurance to approve specialists and treatment. My health declined greatly due to multiple factors include severe longterm health stress. I felt super alone and unable to get the help I needed.
It’s been very heartbreaking for me. I have been an active member of the Nashville music community for many years and continue to support in ways that I can. I want to get back to playing all the tribute shows, and benefits, but right now I need one for me.
Thank you all for helping.