Sarah Gleason still needs your help...

Hello, folks,

I realize it has been a while since many of you have heard from me. This is mostly due to the neurological symptoms I have been experiencing, since receiving the 2nd dose of Moderna over a year ago. Navigating this vaccine injury has been humbling for me. I was certainly one who did not believe these injuries were possible. I am using this time to build capacity for grace and humility. It has been a deeply challenging journey, but I am grateful for the lessons.

Here is what has been occurring for me. On April 2nd, 2021, I was excited to do my civic duty and finish my vaccination process. I was focused on getting back to the work I love safely, supporting people through massage and energy work, making an income again, and I was beyond ready to see my family and friends in person for all the hugs!

Instead, within hours of the shot, an adverse reaction began that persists to this day. For the last 13 months, I have experienced an ever-evolving myriad of mostly neurological symptoms that have ultimately rendered me unable to accomplish much more than the bare minimum of meeting my basic daily needs. I cannot work, even socializing is often just too much. My symptoms include varying degrees of fatigue, brain fog, vertigo, vision impairment, neuropathy, and what I will call a nervous system stuck in overdrive. I cannot predict what the day will bring or even what the next hour will be like. I spend most of my day in bed managing whatever is occurring, giving the body the space it needs to heal.

The first few doctors I saw told me to just wait it out. I did start to feel a bit better after the first 6 weeks, and I was even able to work very lightly for the first part of June. It was glorious! But by July, my symptoms became much more intense. In February, I finally met an amazing neurologist at National Jewish Hospital here in Denver, who is more informed and willing to help people having vaccine reactions. However, she said at this time, there just is not much to be done. For now, I am working with some holistic practitioners, taking supplements, doing physical therapy, and doing my internal practices among other things to support the nervous system.

Even with this validation from a doctor, I have learned there is no financial compensation for the vaccine injured. There are government programs (the CICP and VICP) that have been set up, but they do not actually offer compensation at this time. There is not much hope that without major reform, they will offer anything in the future. Because I cannot get a proper diagnosis, I cannot hope to get disability.

I am blessed to have access to Medicaid and SNAP benefits (food assistance program). These helpful government programs along with the support of my loving family (I am so very grateful for your generosity and care!) and space on my credit cards, have allowed me to survive thus far. But my family and my credit cards have their limits. I truly believe I will fully recover from this, but no one can tell me when that will be. I will not be able to continue to stay afloat without more assistance.

I am asking for your help, but I am also doing this to raise awareness for the cause. If you know someone dealing with these adverse reactions, please feel free to message me, or please direct them to react19.org and realnotrare.com.

Thank you so much for reading. I am beyond grateful for whatever you have to offer. If you cannot or do not wish to donate, I will always accept prayers and high vibes, well wishes and cat videos!

So much love and gratitude for you all!