About this fundraiser


For the past decade, I have silently endured an undiagnosed condition that has significantly impacted my quality of life. My initial episode occurred while driving, prompting an immediate hospital visit. Despite my insistence that it was more severe than mere cramps, I was discharged with medication. A year later, a subsequent episode presented with additional symptoms of nausea, vomiting, syncope and palpitations leading to a diagnosis of H-pylori. However, this diagnosis did not align with my ongoing symptoms. In a matter of 2 months, I had no idea how much my life would change. I went from being a 28-year-old healthy and thriving individual to living with an unknown condition that has debilitated me. In the years that followed, my mom would come home and find me passed out on the floor. The nausea and vomiting became more intense as the days followed. I started to experience these symptoms every single day. I tried to still live a normal life and ignore this sickness. In Spring 2024, I endured a miscarriage that profoundly affected me. Pregnancy, combined with my medical condition, presents notable challenges. As a result, my healthcare providers have advised me to reconsider my family planning timeline. Over the years, I have experienced frequent hospitalizations, numerous tests, and various treatments, all without a definitive diagnosis or effective treatment management. In December 2023, I consulted a Cardiac Electrophysiologist, who diagnosed me with drug-resistant inappropriate sinus tachycardia (IST). IST is a complex heart condition that occurs in otherwise healthy younger people and causes rapid heart rates of over 100 bpm, even at rest. Although the most common symptom is palpitations, it can be accompanied by a myriad of symptoms, including anxiety, dizziness, presyncope, and syncope. These symptoms can affect day-to-day activities and can diminish one’s quality of life. When the heart beats faster than regular, it fails to pump the blood effectively to the rest of the body. It can deprive your organs and tissues of oxygen and cause various problems. There are currently no FDA-approved therapies to treat inappropriate sinus tachycardia. Living with IST presents a daily challenge, and a new treatment option offers hope. However, I need to travel out-of-state for consultations and surgery, incurring significant expenses not covered by my insurance. We are looking to raise funds as soon as possible. I am reaching a critical point, and the cumulative physical and mental anguish has become unbearable. I am in urgent need of assistance with the associated costs. Reaching out for help is my last resort, especially during the holiday season. Any donations or shares would be greatly appreciated.

Organized by

Sheneika Rodriguez

Stratford, CT, USA

Organizer