Help Ysrael Survive During Treatment

Hi, I'm Ysrael Chai, also known as Max Kogut, and you might know me through bay area social movent work, through Kehilla synagogue, or my work and presence in disability activism. As a lot of folx know, my health is, to be blunt, trash. After almost 10 years of deteriorating health  I was diagnosed with ehlers danlos syndrome, POTS, And gastroparisis. Basically my connective tissue doesn't bind together and work as a strong protector to keep my joints in, meaning I am constantly dislocating joints painfully. In addition, connective tissue is EVERYWHERE, So I have severe body issues in keeping my heart rate normal, being able to hold down food and liquids, deteriorating vision, and even being able to remember language all the time.

It's a lot.

I am not able to work. I'm looking with a social worker at a new clinic to figure out my continuing disability options, but my disability was discontinued in August and I've gone without an income since. The last insurance I had refused to treat me, literally said it to my face. I have a lot of hope with this new insurance and round of doctors, but it's going to take time for my body to start getting stronger.

I've been 95% bed bound for a year now. I'm raising money to try and pay rent and the basics while I receive medical treatment. The first thing I need to cover is a $500 overdraft free thats come from automatic charges being taken from my account and wildly overdrafting my account. After that, my rent is $740, and I also have to cover my utilities, medications, food, transportation to and from the doctors. There are also braces I really desperately need that are both expensive and not covered by insurance that is non negotiable to get asap. I wanna be clear- EDS is life threatening for me. I have a pretty severe form, and I'm gravely concerned with the stress on my body the post year, and it's clear long term impacts. Making a go fund me is honestly all I can do, I don't have a plan b. I need help taking care of myself as I am, add a job or even activity of any kind and my health will plummet. I miss working and bring it off my house and taking rolls in the sunshine. I am making a patron to share my art and work and try and gain an income as well (!), But that's going to take time as well. This is just.... Survival in a world that wants people like me not to exist. And I'm trying to keep going, keep loving, and working for the world we all deserve. I'm here for you as much as you are for me. Thank you for reading, sending love, care and support my community and anyone reading about where my life is right now. I'm trying not to be silent in shame and be vulnerable. So here I am, do what you will with that ♥️-Ysrael Chai