Mikayla De-Young

​For more than a decade, I have been living with a body that seems to be slowly declining without clear answers. ​Hi, my name is Mikayla. For the past 10–12 years, my life has been defined by a mystery health struggle. What started as severe gut issues and IBS eventually evolved into heart palpitations, chronic pain, and a fibromyalgia diagnosis. For years, my symptoms were often dismissed as "just anxiety," while I navigated the daily challenges of agoraphobia, health anxiety, and chronic pain. ​The Crisis: January 2026 ​On January 3rd, 2026, my health took a frightening and life-altering turn. I developed a migraine that has never truly gone away. For over 4 months, I have lived with persistent neurological symptoms, including: ​Seizure-like episodes: These have become progressively more frequent and severe. ​Loss of Mobility: My legs shake uncontrollably, and I experience numbness from my toes to my hipss. I now rely on walking aids to move safely. ​The Breaking Point: Recently, my legs completely gave out and I collapsed. Losing control of my body was one of the most terrifying moments of my life. ​The Diagnosis: Functional Neurological Disorder (FND) ​Doctors are currently investigating FND, a condition where the brain and nervous system have difficulty sending and receiving signals. It is a disabling condition that requires specialized, multi-disciplinary care to manage. ​Why I Need Your Help ​While I am on the public waitlist to see a neurologist, the wait can be anywhere from 9 months to 4 years. My symptoms are worsening now, and I cannot wait years for help. ​The challenge is that my recovery requires more than just one doctor. I urgently need to see a team of specialists, and many of the necessary tests and treatments are not covered by the public system. ​Your donations will go directly toward: ​Specialist Consultations: Private Neurologist, Rheumatologist, and Dietitian appointments. ​Neurological Testing: Assessments and scans that are not covered by public health. ​Medication Costs: I am on multiple medications for pain, nausea, and seizures that are not covered by the PBS, making them incredibly expensive. ​Nervous System Regulation: Specialized treatments and therapies aimed at stabilizing my nervous system. ​Transport & Essentials: Getting to these appointments while navigating this health crisis. ​Thank You ​Asking for help is incredibly difficult, but I have reached a point where I cannot do this alone. Seeing my family and partner have to step in as my carers has been a heavy burden to carry, and my goal is to regain enough health to find my independence again. ​Every donation, share, or message of encouragement gives me the strength to keep fighting for my health. Thank you for taking the time to read my story. ​Suggested Social Media "Snippet" ​(Use this when sharing the link on Facebook or Instagram to grab attention): ​A 12-month wait is too long for a body in crisis. ​After 12 years of searching for answers, my health has taken a turn that has left me relying on walking aids and experiencing seizure-like episodes. My doctor is 99% sure it's FND, but the public system is overwhelmed. ​I’ve started a GoFundMe to help cover the costs of private specialists and life-changing medications not covered by the PBS. If you can’t donate, a simple share would mean the world to me.