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Help Erin O'Dowd Recover

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In 2014 I lived in two consecutive apartments that were infested with black moldmold (Stachybotrys Chartarum). I became very ill. I moved into a clean house but was still recovering, as well as working and playing gigs- trying to make ends meet. I was already in the hole after months of missed work and doctor bills. Not being able to afford professional remediation services, and attempting to clean my personal belongings- not really knowing what I was doing- I held onto a lot of things that should have been thrown away or professionally cleaned. This continued exposure to the mold and overworking myself exhausted my immune system and I ended up in the hospital, 82 pounds with a mysterious digestive condition brought on by black mold, stress, and lack of rest. After 5 days in, and medications to help me eat, my parents took me back to Florida to rest and recover. I stayed for 4 months, and gained a full recovery. Upon returning, the worst possible scenario happened when I moved into a friend's house that happened to have black mold! I was ill again for a while- though my symptoms were not as severe, I am still getting back up to speed... (I stayed with another friend in a clean house for several months until I found a lovely house that the landlord and I had tested professionally- it is free of mold infestation.) While I now have a wonderful place to live, I have had to get rid of almost everything I own. Most of my clothes, shoes, bed, all of my kitchen and bathroom items, furniture, musical equipment, electronics (including my cellphone) and personal belongings. Everything down to my dog Prince's collar (he was also very sick from the mold, but is mostly recovered now). I have been doing the best that I can to stay afloat, and I have been working part-time as well as playing gigs, but I haven't been able to make ends meet. My parents have helped me as much as they possibly can. I haven't been very good at asking for help, or even at letting people know what's been going on. It's been overwhelming, honestly, and I've just been figuring it out as I go along. My car is also contaminated with mold- it was growing in the cabin air filter, and on the floor mats when I returned from Florida. It needs to be professionally cleaned to remove the mold spores. It is also due for vital repairs. I have thousands of dollars in medical bills that I cannot afford to make payments on. Many of them have already gone to collections. I am still taking expensive medications several times a day, and I need monthly acupuncture to maintain my digestion, and regular bodywork for the muscle tension issues I developed.  Prince also needs supplements for his sinuses and immune system. I need to be able to rest as much as possible to maintain my health and rebuild my immune system. Any help at all would be greatly appreciated. I would love to stay afloat and be able to keep making music for you. I have started recording my album and would love to be able to stay healthy enough finish it. Thank you for taking the time to read my story. I have so much love for Tulsa and beyond. Any donations of the aforementioned items are also appreciated. Much love to all of you-

Organizer

Erin O'Dowd
Organizer
Tulsa, OK

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