Colleen Bennett

I’m living with Behçet’s disease, a rare, chronic, and often misunderstood autoimmune condition. Behçet’s causes inflammation throughout the body and can affect multiple organ systems, including the brain, eyes, blood vessels, lungs, gastrointestinal tract, skin, and joints. Symptoms are unpredictable, painful, and in my case life-threatening. There is currently no cure. Because Behçet’s is so rare and complex, proper diagnosis, advanced testing, and ongoing management often require unexpected and in my case , life changing medical care. In the past 6 months I have had 3 long hospital stays. I’ve been out of work more than I was there. I’ve experienced loss of income and huge medical expenses along with devastating news - if I don’t get this disease under control it’s going to kill me. I’m currently working on getting care from world-renowned specialists who truly understand the disease. This will mean traveling to New York for specialized testing and consultations with experts who have experience treating severe and systemic cases like mine. These trips come with overwhelming costs—medical appointments, diagnostic testing, travel, lodging, and ongoing treatment expenses that are not covered by my insurance. Managing this disease is not just physically exhausting, but financially devastating. I am starting this GoFundMe to help cover:    •   Specialized medical testing and evaluations    •   Travel and lodging for appointments in New York    •   Ongoing medical care related to Behçet’s disease In addition to supporting my medical journey, I am pledging to donate a portion of the funds raised to the American Behçet’s Disease Association (ABDA). This organization provides education, advocacy, patient support, and funds critical research to improve diagnosis, treatment, and awareness of Behçet’s disease. Your support—whether through a donation or prayer, expressing your love and support or sharing this page, means more than I can express. You are helping me fight for my health and helping others living with this devastating condition. Thank you for taking the time to read my story and for standing with me. Even the smallest donation makes a difference, and your kindness helps bring hope to a community that is often overlooked.