I am sharing this privately within my small network because asking for help is not easy, but I have reached a point where I cannot carry this alone.

For the past two years, I have watched my body slowly shut down and my mobility become more and more limited. It has been an exhausting, uphill battle of navigating endless doctor appointments and tests. But the hardest part is that we are finally getting answers.

What Is Happening With My Health

We have been investigating a cascade of rising systemic inflammation. For a while, we thought it was linked to periodontal disease. Even after clearing that up, my CRP kept rising alongside an alarming increase in my white blood cells. For two years, I have had every test, scan, screening to try and figure out what is going on with me. Recently, we have found a few pieces to the overall puzzle which has lead me to where I am today of getting seen by various specialist in order to properly test and diagnose me so I can finally start to get the care that I need. So far I have 2 diagnosis, and I am awaiting 3 more. Recently, we also discovered a set of very large cavities that were completely missed in previous exams. These teeth need immediate treatment to save them and to see if resolving this infection will finally bring my inflammatory markers down, as it is very possible these infections have trickled into my blood stream.

On top of that, I have shrunk an inch in the last year, and we are working hard to get to the bottom of it. I am now seeing a physical medicine and rehabilitation specialist to help address my extreme back pain and mobility issues, which includes getting CT scans and other diagnostics. 

Because my recent diagnosis of lipedema is also deeply connected to my mobility struggles, managing it is a critical piece of the puzzle. Between those specialist visits, twice-weekly physical therapy, specialized Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) therapy, custom compression garments, newly diagnosed sleep apnea requiring a CPAP machine, out-of-prescription and medication expenses, and immediate dental surgery, the costs are completely overwhelming.

The Impossible Choice

Right now, mounting medical bills and the reality of an unmet deductible on my insurance plan have forced me into an impossible corner: I am facing a choice between shutting down my studio, paying for my medical expenses, or delaying critical treatments and diagnoses.

Even with myinsurance, major diagnostic tests, equipment, and uncovered care add up fast—not to mention dental work, which is 100% out of pocket. I am actively trying to secure financial assistance resources through some of the hospital systems, but that application process is long, complex, and far from guaranteed.

Where the Funds Will Go

To bridge the gap safely, I am trying to raise $7,000 to cover these immediate out-of-pocket essentials:

Immediate Dental Surgery & Care ($2,000): To treat the missed deep cavities, save my teeth, and stop the infection driving my high CRP and white blood cells.

Specialized Care & Equipment: Cash payments for MLD therapy, custom compression garments, and a CPAP machine.

Specialist Care, PT & Diagnostics: Covering out-of-pocket costs and coinsurance for CT scans, twice-weekly physical therapy, and PM&R care targeting extreme back pain and mobility.

Medications & Medical Debt: Handling out-of-prescription expenses and keeping current bills paid so I don't have to sacrifice my business to survive.

If you are in a position to contribute or share this within our trusted circle, it would mean the world to me. Thank you for reading, caring, and helping me fight to get my health and my life back.