Story

I’ve gone back and forth about creating this fundraiser because asking for help isn’t something that comes naturally to me. I’ve always believed that if I were able to work, I should.

I have Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, a connective tissue disorder that has led to years of serious vascular complications, multiple major surgeries, and more medical appointments than I can count. I’ve traveled to specialists across the country—and even overseas—always hoping the next treatment or surgery would allow me to keep moving forward. Each time, my goal was the same: recover, get back to work, and keep supporting myself.

Five weeks ago, I broke my hand and tore multiple ligaments because of the tissue fragility caused by EDS. As a bartender, I rely on my hands every day, so I’ve been completely unable to work since the injury.

I’ve made it through these past five weeks by using money I had saved. Now my savings are gone, my bank account is overdrawn, and I’m struggling to cover rent, groceries, utilities, and other basic expenses. As a mom, my biggest concern is keeping our lives as normal as possible. My son attends multiple therapies every week, and right now I’m just trying to make sure I can continue providing for him while we get through this. 

Honestly, this has become more than just a broken hand. I’m at a point where years of trying to work through a progressive connective tissue disorder have finally caught up with me. For a long time, I believed that if I just kept pushing through, I could continue working. This injury made me realize that my health has reached a point where I need to begin the disability application process. That wasn’t an easy decision, and it isn’t one I ever wanted to make. Unfortunately, disability benefits take time, leaving me without income while I wait.

I’m asking for help getting through this transition. Any donation, no matter the size, will go toward rent, groceries, utilities, medical expenses, transportation to appointments, and other basic living expenses while I recover and navigate the disability process.

I’m not looking for a handout—I’m just hoping for a little help getting through the gap between losing my income and the support I’m working toward through disability.

If you’re not able to donate, sharing this fundraiser would mean just as much. Every share gives my story the chance to reach someone who may be able to help.

Thank you for taking the time to read my story. Whether you donate, share, or simply keep my family in your thoughts, I truly appreciate your kindness and support.