Latest update as of Mar 21, 2026

  • So much is happening and fast❤️‍🩹

    Hi everyone 🤍

    I wanted to give a real update because a lot has been happening behind the scenes, and honestly… it’s been overwhelming.

    Over the past few weeks, I’ve gotten more answers—but those answers have also shown just how complex my situation really is.

    I’ve now been diagnosed with multiple serious conditions including vascular Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (vEDS), hypermobile EDS (hEDS), mast cell activation syndrome (MCAS), severe gastrointestinal dysmotility, gastroparesis, malabsorption, neurocardiogenic syncope (which causes my fainting), CRPS, thoracic outlet syndrome, and more.

    Because my digestive system is failing, I’m currently dependent on TPN (IV nutrition) and just had a permanent J-tube placed. Eating normally is no longer something my body can handle.

    On top of that, doctors found a brain aneurysm in my internal carotid artery along with an AV fistula. I now have to see neurosurgery to determine if I need a procedure to prevent something life-threatening.

    My care team is expanding quickly. I’m being referred to neurosurgery, pain management, urology, gynecology specialists, and more—all while trying to manage daily symptoms like severe pain, fainting, and extreme fatigue.

    One of the next big steps is switching from my PICC line to a chest port, which is safer for long-term treatment like TPN. This will mean another procedure, more recovery, and more medical costs.

    I’m doing everything I can to keep going, but the reality is this is a full-time fight—physically, mentally, and financially.

    If you’ve supported me, checked on me, shared my story, or donated—thank you from the bottom of my heart. It truly means more than I can explain.

    If you’re able to continue sharing or donating to my fundraiser, it would help me keep getting the care I need to literally survive and hopefully improve my quality of life.

    No matter what, thank you for being here


About this fundraiser

My name is Kristy, and I’m a mother to three incredible kids — ages 15, 11, and 10. Every day, I wake up and fight, not just for myself, but to be here for them. Some days, my body makes even that impossible.

I live with Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) — a condition so painful it feels like my body is on fire while breaking and crushing from the inside out at the same time. I also battle thoracic outlet syndrome (I’ve had a rib removed), dysautonomia, vascular Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (v-EDS), chronic fatigue syndrome, several severe cardiac issues including neurocardiogenic syncope, and hypoglycemia. I’m tube-fed through a dual-bag GJ feeding tube just to survive, and some days, standing or walking is impossible.

My family has done everything they can to support my treatment, but I’m trying to get back on my feet on my own. I have a referral for an intrathecal pain pump, which could finally help me manage my pain and regain a little independence. But even with this, I still need help with medical bills, genetic testing, life-saving devices, Stem cell therapy and training my dog as a service animal.

A service dog would be more than a companion — they could alert me before fainting or dangerous drops in blood sugar, help me regain balance if I collapse, and provide comfort and safety for my children when I’m struggling.

I am asking for help because I want to survive, not just exist, for my kids. I want to be able to help them with homework, cheer them on at their games, tuck them into bed, and show up for every milestone. Every donation, share, and message of support brings me closer to safety, stability, and hope — a chance to keep living alongside my children instead of watching life pass me by.
 

I’ve faced unimaginable pain and loss, but I refuse to give up. Please help me fight for my life and my family.

 

With love and gratitude,

Kristy 

💛 #CRPSAwareness #RareDiseaseWarrior #ServiceDogJourney #MomStrong

Organized by

Kristy Brrientos

Westville, IN, USA

Organizer