Jamie’s Survival Fund - Help Me Get an Electric Wheelchair!
Donation protected
Hello! I’m Jamie, a chronically ill and disabled artist. In mid November of 2022, I had my first “crash”. I experienced paralyzing muscle weakness, episodes of intense palpitations and tachycardia, dizziness, shortness of breath, disabling musculoskeletal pain, and a whole host of other terrifying symptoms with no known cause. Read ahead to see how you can support my journey to find answers and treatment ❤️
I’ve decided to crowdfund to fulfill the cost of medications and supplements not covered by insurance, and I hope to eventually save enough money to be able to afford a specialist that will be able to treat my conditions and improve my quality of life. Here’s my full story:
I began having symptoms at the start of high school. They were mild at first, able to be ignored, but progressively became more intense and numerable that I was no longer able to attend high school. It took two years for me to be diagnosed with Crohn’s disease, and four for me to be diagnosed with fibromyalgia. Since then, I’ve progressively gotten worse. I am currently mostly housebound, unable to work or study, and as such unable to afford treatments or therapists that may help me. I run a small crocheting business, but I do not make much more than pocket money through that. I am on my parents’ insurance, but that only covers very basic medical care and we still have to pay partially out-of-pocket for tests, medications, and even primary care doctor’s visits. My illnesses have put financial strain on my family and I cannot fully rely on my parents to fund my treatment.
My conditions include fibromyalgia, Crohn’s disease, joint hypermobility syndrome with suspected Ehler’s-Danlos, TMJ, myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome, and dysautonomia. Here’s what these funds may be used for:
- cost of essential medications not fully paid for by insurance
- vitamins and supplements (B-12, D-6, magnesium, omega-3, mitochondrial NRG)
- nutritional shakes - because I often have too little energy to make myself a full meal, I have a hard time getting my nutrition needs met
- electrolyte drinks and powder
- OTC medications that help manage my symptoms
- specialist consultations (pain specialist, nutritionist, etc)
- a primary care physician; I currently have a PCP, but the quality of medical care I receive is neither attentive nor sufficient enough for someone with my medical conditions. Unfortunately, private PCPs that are knowledgeable and available enough to treat me do not typically accept insurance
- alternative/Eastern medicine (i.e. acupuncture, craniosacral therapy, curanderismo, Chinese medicine)
- tests to rule out differential diagnoses such as MS and POTS
All of these things have potential to improve my quality of life and put me on the path to remission and recovery. I miss my independence, I miss being able to socialize with friends, I miss living my life. Any and all donations and shares would be immensely appreciated. If you would like to support me via my crochet, you can find the link here: https://bijoubrochet.company.site
Thank you so much ❤️
Organizer
Jamie Roanoke
Organizer
Chula Vista, CA