Hi, my name is Crystal, and asking for help is one of the hardest things I’ve ever had to do.

I’m a single mother of two amazing children, and after years of fighting serious health challenges, I’m reaching out because I need help keeping my family stable while I continue fighting for my health.

My health journey changed forever when I suffered a hemorrhagic stroke in my brainstem. I also have multiple vascular abnormalities in my brain, including developmental venous anomalies, capillary telangiectasias, and cavernous angiomas, with two lesions located in my brainstem.

Because of where these issues are located, my doctors have explained that my treatment options are extremely limited. Procedures that may help others are not safe options for me because of the location of these lesions. My care is focused on managing my symptoms and maintaining the best quality of life possible.

I continue to face daily neurological and mobility challenges that affect my balance, strength, coordination, and ability to safely move around. I also live with chronic daily migraines, severe fatigue, full-body weakness, dizziness and lightheadedness, visual and auditory disturbances, fibromyalgia, chronic pain throughout my back from my sacrum and hips through my neck, gastrointestinal issues, and cardiac conditions including a PFO, weak and leaking heart valves with regurgitation, recently diagnosed cardiac autonomic neuropathy (CAN) and cardiac autonomic dysfunction, along with recurring sinus tachycardia documented on EKGs. I also live with PTSD and depression.

These conditions have changed every part of my life. Some days, basic things many people take for granted—getting out of bed, walking safely, taking a shower, preparing food, caring for myself, or making it to appointments—take everything I have. My symptoms are unpredictable, and I never know what my body will allow me to do from one day to the next.

Despite everything I was facing, I continued working for as long as my health allowed because providing for my children was my priority. I wanted to remain independent and give my children the stability they deserve. Unfortunately, as my health declined, I eventually lost my ability to continue working.

Now I’m facing the difficult reality of trying to manage serious health issues while also worrying about keeping my family stable. I’m asking for help with essential needs such as housing, utilities, groceries, transportation to medical appointments, medications, and other daily expenses while I continue receiving medical care.

Asking for help does not come easily to me. I’ve spent my life learning how to be strong and carry my own burdens. But I’m reaching out now because I want to keep fighting—for myself and, most importantly, for my children.

If you are able to donate, any amount would mean more than I can express. If you’re unable to donate, sharing my story could help me reach someone who can.

Thank you for taking the time to read my story, for seeing me beyond my illnesses, and for reminding me that my family and I are not alone.

With love and gratitude,

Crystal