I’ve gone back and forth about sharing all of this because putting such a vulnerable part of our lives out there isn’t easy. But I want people to understand what our family has been facing and why we have created and shared our GoFundMe. ❤️
Today I received the results from my esophagus swallow test. The test showed problems with the way my esophagus is moving food down, along with a hiatal hernia and significant reflux back into my esophagus. There are still more tests that need to be done, and I am still planning to have my scope.
What makes this especially heartbreaking is that I have been struggling with swallowing since October 2025.
For more than nine months, I have repeatedly explained that something wasn’t right. Over time, things continued to get worse. I went from being able to eat solid foods, to only soft foods, and now I am basically surviving on liquids.
I haven't been able to truly eat for almost two weeks. When I try, so much of the time it comes right back up because I cannot get it down properly. In just the last couple of weeks, I have lost almost 22 pounds. I've been dehydrated, dizzy, lightheaded, nauseated, weak and exhausted.
Thankfully, I recently switched providers, and my new doctor is taking this seriously and working to get answers and additional testing as quickly as possible. I am incredibly grateful to finally feel like someone is listening and understands how much this has affected my everyday life.
But this isn't the only thing our family is carrying right now.
Our sweet Hailey has also been struggling with seizures. She has already had two, and we are working closely with her neurologist to get her medication regimen figured out and hopefully prevent more seizures. There is even discussion about changing her medication, but because of her needs, we have to make sure we can get the appropriate medication in a liquid form.
As her mom, I want nothing more than to be strong and present for her. But trying to care for your child while your own body is weak from not being able to eat is something I don't know how to put into words.
Michael has missed so much work trying to be there for both Hailey and me, while also helping care for his mom. He's doing everything he can to hold our family together, but missing work means missing income—and the bills don't stop just because your family is going through a crisis.
Between Hailey and me, we have already accumulated thousands of dollars in medical expenses that insurance hasn't covered. There are specialist appointments, testing, treatments and everything else that comes along with trying to get answers.
And then there is our home.
We are also dealing with concerns about possible black mold, and we are working on getting it tested and finding out what steps need to be taken next. Because of those concerns, we are also trying desperately to save enough money to move our family into another home.
It feels like one thing after another.
Medical appointments.
Seizures.
Tests.
Unanswered questions.
Missed work.
Medical bills.
Housing concerns.
Sleepless nights.
Exhausted doesn't even begin to describe how we feel right now.
There are nights when we are awake for hours because our minds simply won't shut off. We're wondering how we're going to pay the next bill, what the next test is going to show, whether Hailey will have another seizure, whether I'll finally be able to eat normally again, and what tomorrow is going to bring.
I'm scared.
I miss eating. I miss feeling normal. I miss waking up without nausea, stomach pain, headaches, weakness and the constant worry about whether something I swallow is going to stay down.
More than anything, I want my health back so I can be the mom my daughter needs me to be. ❤️
We aren't sharing our GoFundMe because we expect anyone to fix everything for us. We aren't trying to take advantage of anyone. We are simply a family that has been hit with more than we can financially carry right now, and we are asking for help.
If you are able to donate, thank you from the bottom of our hearts. Every dollar will help us with medical expenses and our efforts to get our family into a safe home.
If you aren't in a position to donate, please don't feel bad. Sharing our GoFundMe means just as much to us. One share could put our story in front of someone who is able to help.
And above everything else, please continue to pray for us. ❤️
Pray for answers for me.
Pray that I can eat again and regain my strength.
Pray for Hailey and that her doctors can get her seizures under control.
Pray for Michael as he carries so much on his shoulders.
Pray for our family as we navigate the medical bills, our housing situation and everything else happening around us.
To every person who has prayed for us, checked on us, shared our story, donated, sent an encouraging message or simply reminded us that we're not alone—thank you.
There aren't enough words to express what your kindness means to our family.
We are tired. We are overwhelmed. We are scared.
But we are still holding onto our faith, holding onto each other, and praying that better days are ahead. ❤️
Thank you for loving our family through one of the hardest seasons we've walked through. Please share our GoFundMe if you can. Every prayer, every share and every act of kindness means more than you will ever know. ❤️