My Story & Why I’m Asking for Help

Living in Florida has become increasingly unsafe for me, largely because Florida has not expanded Medicaid. That single fact has affected nearly every aspect of my health, finances, and ability to survive At this point with any true type of quality of life. So, after various attempts with little response, this is the last time I will attempt to reach out for help when it comes to the relocation process.

For those who may not know my story — or for new followers — I’m sharing it one more time with honesty and hope.

Thyroid Cancer & a Brief Window of HopeIn 2023, after more than a year and a half of being told nothing serious was wrong, I was finally able to see specialists in endocrinology and ENT. It was then confirmed that I was extremely ill due to thyroid cancer and advanced thyroid disease. By the time I received proper care, I was dangerously close to losing my life.

After surgery, no follow-up treatments were required. For about six months, I felt better than I had in years. My ulcerative colitis — which led to major surgery in 2019 — was finally in remission, and my overall quality of life returned in ways I didn’t think were possible.

For the first time in a long time, I felt hopeful. I even considered attempting a limited return to work, despite surviving on just $900 a month in disability income. Losing my ability to work has been one of the hardest parts of this journey — not just financially, but emotionally.

A New Cancer Diagnosis After years of nonstop medical appointments, I decided to take a short break — just three months — to recover physically and mentally. My thyroid cancer scans were clean, and I believed I had finally turned a corner. The only appointment I knew I couldn’t delay was with my gynecologist, especially since thyroid cancer forced me into early menopause and I was still experiencing severe symptoms.

That routine exam changed everything.

I had a history of irregular Pap smears dating back to my 30s and had been told I had HPV-related abnormal cells that required monitoring. During years of autoimmune illness and immune suppression, that HPV infection progressed — resulting in cervical cancer.

Given my extensive family history of cancer, my personal history of thyroid cancer, and the fact that I had already gone through menopause, my immediate question was when I could have a hysterectomy. In states with expanded healthcare or private insurance, this would be considered preventative, life-saving care.

In Florida, on disability Medicaid, it was not.

Delays, Barriers & Surgery

Although I received my diagnosis from a compassionate physician at Planned Parenthood, they do not provide cancer treatment. I sought care at Moffitt Cancer Center, hoping access to one of Florida’s top facilities would finally lead to timely treatment. Unfortunately, my experience there mirrored many past medical encounters and was so distressing that even my medical advocate was shocked.

I then turned to Florida Cancer Specialists, where I finally found a doctor who showed empathy and took my case seriously. She referred me to a respected gynecologic oncologist. Despite her recommendation for an immediate hysterectomy, Medicaid required a cervical cone biopsy first.

That diagnosis occurred in early 2024, but due to delays, the biopsy wasn’t performed until June. The results confirmed the cancer had already spread beyond my cervix, making a radical hysterectomy medically necessary. By the time surgery was scheduled in November, the cancer was already present in my uterus.

More Complications

Just before surgery, abnormal EKG results revealed a new heart condition — likely damage from an undetected cardiac event. After weeks of cardiology testing, I was diagnosed with a permanent arrhythmia. Surgery was delayed but ultimately approved due to medical necessity.

The surgery itself was successful, but although my margins came back clear, radiation therapy was still required due to the high risk of recurrence. Because of my GI disease, I cannot tolerate standard radiation protocols and must undergo a modified treatment plan.

Shortly after surgery, I was hospitalized again with severe symptoms — uncontrollable nausea and vomiting, temperature dysregulation, hypertension, tachycardia, and weakness. What was initially thought to be a routine UTI either worsened significantly or the cancer compromised my bladder and/or kidneys.

I was discharged after 24 hours with a catheter and instructed to follow up with a urologist within days. Because of insurance limitations and provider access issues in Florida, that follow-up still hasn’t happened. I am currently stuck with a catheter and still don’t have clear answers — while also needing to begin radiation immediately.

Radiation is scheduled to begin late December and finish in early January. It cannot be delayed, and it cannot be transferred to Ohio in time.

Why Ohio Matters

Once radiation is complete, my goal is to return to Ohio by the end of January to start applying at numerous income qualified apartment buildings for a permanent long-term stable address.(or maybe finally have my name pulled on the section 8 lottery that I’ve been in for three years now )Something that Ive been  attempting to do since 2020..

also gives me the ability to be surrounded by a few friends and family members that I do have that are willing and want to support me however they can.Not very good at taking help, but sometimes I have no choice anymore.. and it’s definitely more needed mentally than physically even at this point. AND of course, one thing that I never knew that I would need to worry about when I moved in the first place;being that I live in one of this states that is the worst in this country when it comes to healthcare;on the opposite end of Florida-Ohio has expanded Medicaid, which would allow me access to:

           Up to $500 more per month in benefits

• Full Medicaid coverage in addition to Medicare
• Consistent, coordinated healthcare

That difference is literally life or death for me.

I’ve been slowly preparing for this move by storing belongings at my best friend’s home in the Toledo area and planning to stay there while I apply for the income-based housing.

Originally, my long-term plan involved building a tiny home on my brother’s property. He was one of the few family members who consistently supported me. My brother passed away in October.

Because of that loss, what was meant to be a short-term housing solution will now likely be long-term, meaning I must be careful and intentional about where I apply.

Over the past year, I also lost my car after it became too expensive to repair — one of the last forms of independence I had. I will need to travel between Florida and Ohio initially to finalize medical transitions, transport my animals, and tie up loose ends.

Why I’m Asking for Help

i have depleted all of my life’s savings, had to give up my ability to earn income and am living on the least amount of SSD possible also because of Florida Statu. The price of living in this area is absolutely insane.. the lot rent alone for the mobile home where I live is the same as my check every month that I’m expected to live on 100%; I also don’t have the ability for other programs like heap or pip, as well as access to food, benefits, being more limited . 

I started this GoFundMe because over the years I’ve helped raise funds for many others — and I hoped that when I truly needed help, someone might help me back.

I’m not asking for handouts. Once my health stabilizes, I fully intend to contribute however I’m able. im extremely expieriencard in the hospitality/service, customer, service, and sales of any kind . I’m skilled in cleaning and organizing, childcare, yardwork, and gardening, and I’m open to repaying kindness through services or promissory agreements just show me where to sign. 

If you’re able to donate — even a few dollars — it helps more than you know. If you can’t donate, sharing this with someone who might understand means just as much.

I also want to address a recurring assumption.For those who may not be aware: the person I have been living with in Florida and I have never shared finances. We are financially independent adults. Speculation about why that person is not doing “more” is based on assumptions that are not accurate and need to be left aside.If anyone has a genuine question about my situation, you are always welcome to message me directly. I’m happy to explain. What I ask is that people avoid filling in gaps with assumptions based on their own experiences — because those experiences do not always reflect someone else’s reality.

This journey has been shaped by serious illness, systemic barriers, timing, and loss — much of which is invisible from the outside. I ask only for understanding, compassion, and grace.

Thank you for reading, for caring, and for helping me get home.