Help Maria Knigge Reclaim Her Health and Future

Hi, my name is Maria Knigge, and I’m fundraising to help cover the costs of re-diagnosing and treating my narcolepsy, as well as essential bills while I navigate this challenging time.

Thirteen years ago, I was diagnosed with narcolepsy with cataplexy. The cover photo is a picture of me from the last sleep study I had through Alpha Sleep in 2014. Unfortunately, due to lost medical records—Alpha Sleep dissolved—and delays in the healthcare system, I’ve spent well over a year trying to get re-diagnosed, working with specialists to rule out other conditions like sleep apnea and hypothyroidism. My symptoms, including debilitating daytime sleepiness, disrupted and/or dysregulated nighttime sleep, and cataplectic episodes, continue to impact every aspect of my life. And without a confirmed diagnosis, I can’t access the medications I need to better manage this condition and work toward being a functional member of society—or even a functional human being.

The funds I’m raising will go toward:

• Medical tests like the Multiple Sleep Latency Test (MSLT) and polysomnography

• Medications and follow-up care

• Day-to-day bills while I navigate this journey

This isn’t just about getting through the next few months—it’s about getting the care I need to live a healthier, more fulfilling life. I want to feel able to contribute my to community, my loved ones, and my future, but I need your help to get there.

Thank you for taking the time to read my story. Any donation, no matter how small, means the world to me. Please share if you can!