Hi everyone,

This isn’t something I ever thought I’d be doing asking for help like this but life has taken a turn I never could have prepared for, and I’m doing my best to face it one day at a time.

My name is Alex, and I’ve been diagnosed with Hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (hEDS) and Fibromyalgia, with several other conditions still being investigated. These are complex, chronic illnesses that affect my joints, nervous system, and cause widespread pain, fatigue, and other difficult symptoms that make everyday life a challenge.

Not that long ago, I was fairly active and independent. I loved being involved in the arts and theatre, and I found purpose in supporting others however I could. It’s been hard watching that version of myself slowly slip away. These days, I rely on a wheelchair whenever I leave the house, and even indoors where accessibility allows (unfortunately where I live is not accessible). I’ve become mostly homebound over the last few years, and I’m no longer able to work despite many attempts.

I now rely on the disability pension to get by, but it doesn’t even come close to covering the growing list of specialist appointments, medications, and diagnostic tests I need. The waitlist for some of the public specialists is over three years long just to be seen for the first time. That’s time I don’t have. My conditions are progressing, and I need care now.

What I’m really hoping for is to access the medical support that could help stabilize things and maybe even help me regain some quality of life. I still dream of getting back to doing some of the things I love, like being creative and involved in community arts. Even small steps in that direction would mean the world to me.

I’m struggling physically, mentally, and financially. And although it’s hard to be this open, I’m reaching out because I truly need help.

If you’re able to donate, please know that every contribution will go directly toward:

Private specialist appointments

Ongoing medications

Necessary tests and treatments

If donating isn’t possible, sharing this with others would also mean a great deal to me.

Thank you for taking the time to read this. Thank you for caring. It’s not easy to ask for help, but I’m trying to hold onto hope and hopefully this is one step toward that.

With appreciation,

Alex Rivas