I’m raising funds to begin a treatment plan for the ongoing, complex chronic health issues that I’ve been trying to manage for the last several years while illness has left me unable to work.
The funds raised here will allow me to begin the treatment plan, continue care and cover some out of pocket appointments, receive some pressing dental care, as well as cover a bit of gas and grocery costs over the next 6-8 months.
I had to stop working in 2021 after a bout of Covid in fall 2020 resulted in long Covid and a severe dip in my health. I then had ~3 more instances of Covid/long Covid amongst a slew of other illnesses between then and now.
I thought I would just be taking a few months off of work to get better. But 3 months turned to 6, and after many tears and failed attempts to resume working, I had to stop attempts and focus on getting better. I made it to “I’ve been sick for 24 of the last 27 months” before I stopped counting a few years back.
Almost 4 years of inability to work due to unreliable, unmanaged chronic health issues and double-digit thousands of dollars spent on healthcare later, and I’m still fighting for restoration and management of my health. But I’m out of resources and still not well enough to work enough to be able to continue care.
I’ve been doing my best with what’s in my control, and seen some improvement in a few areas of my health, had dips in others, and new pressing issues have popped up this spring.
Recovery and treatment continues to be a lot of trial and error—it feels like two shuffling steps forward and five steps back at times.
The improvements made haven’t been enough to hit a baseline of health and activity level that will allow me to return to work part or full time yet.
And in connecting with a disability lawyer, I was told that though my issues are very real and deserving, because much of what I’m dealing with is complicated, much of it still without official diagnoses and enough documentation, I don’t have a solid enough case to qualify for disability (—yet?).
But at my most recent appointment with one of my practitioners, a treatment plan was proposed that has sparked hope.
It’s an intensive plan that will likely span the next year at least … and I truly believe it will help me improve enough to start rebuilding my health and life.
My goal, with your support, is to focus on the treatment plan and small health rebuilds* over the next 6-8 months.
(*like building up to going for walks regularly—something I haven’t been able to do in years.)
As I get a few months into the treatment plan, I’ll gauge what’s changing and continue to prioritize health.
When my ability improves enough—I’m hoping by around 6 months in—I’ll see what ease-in work opportunities may be possible for me to resume. I’m hopeful that I’ll see improvements enough to get me back to at least part time work and can continue health care plans on my own again when I’m back to earning money.
For the first two months of care, I need to raise $4,000. This will allow me to start the new treatment plan, cover the other expenses I need to continue care in addition, and get me through some pressing dental needs.
For the following two months, I’ll need around $2,200. The next two months, I estimate about $2,565. And that would likely repeat for the final two months.
If you’ve read this far, thank you! I have kept a lot of this journey private up to now while confiding in some trusted friends for support. At their encouragement to let people show their love and support, I’m now reaching out more publicly for help.
I’ve done what I can on my own. Now, I need my community to bolster me so I can carry on. ♥️
If you’re able to contribute financially and/or pray for my health and financial needs, I’d greatly appreciate it!
This has been a hard road to walk, but I’m not giving up.
I believe there’s something better on the other side of this and I’m looking forward to receiving it! ♥️
With hope and heart,
Kristin
Lam. 3:21-23, Rm. 15:13
Want to give another way?
Venmo: @kktoday
