I am posting this with mixed emotions because I am a private person, but here it goes…

My name is Whitney. I am a 37-year-old registered nurse that up until one year ago spent my life taking care of ill and injured people (like who I have become).

In August 2024, I became ill with what doctors thought was an upper respiratory infection. I was having anaphylactic reactions to every medical treatment I was given. Several lengthy ICU admissions later, as well as several life-changing diagnoses… fast forward a bit… Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS) now literally runs my life.

Short education session… Mast cells are cells responsible for allergic reactions. My mast cells cause anaphylactic reactions to things unknown, sometimes every day, that would cause you to have the sniffles or not even bat an eye. MINE make me have anaphylaxis to too tight/loose fitting clothes, the vibration of the steering wheel, even an emotional response (stress), as well as to normal things like pollen in the air or a bug bite. The epinephrine used to treat my anaphylaxis has damaged my heart (a heart attack, cardiomyopathy, DVTs).

My local doctors have reached the end of their scope of practice (knowledge).

A YEAR LATER, FINALLY, I AM GOING to the Mayo Clinic in Arizona!!!! to hopefully get answers and a treatment plan that works instead of band-aids that cause a domino of other problems.

This has been emotionally, physically, and as you could imagine, financially taxing on myself as well as my family. My kids and fiancé have spent sleepless nights worrying.

Thank you for your support. Please send me some positive thoughts over the next couple of weeks while I embark on this next adventure.

If you’re able and willing to help me out, know that you are more than appreciated and it will be paid forward.