Fighting Sami Syndrome

Hi, my name is Sami. I know many of you have been following my progress since my whole world flipped upside down. For those of you who dont know me, I live to love and help people, my peers, and community. I struggle to ask for help when I am the one in need... but here it goes.

In July I began experiencing intense headaches and I started to lose my vision. I was admitted to the ER for testing. As a 32 yr old woman, I did not expect to be told - All signs pointed to STROKE! I was LifeFlighted to a medical center 2.5 hours from my home, only to find more questions than answers. Over the next 5 days while admitted to the hosputal, it was discovered I had NOT had a stroke. A mystery mass had developed in my brain. Looking at scans, the doctors best guess at that time was that I had MS.

Over the next 3 months I underwent surgury and a series of testing -

Brain bopsy

Spinal tap

Multiple MRIs

CT scans

Blood panels

3 day IV steroid infusion

Multiple neurologists and MS specialists have reviewed my scans and panels, but no one knows what my condition is, how it happened or why. I do not display the expected indications of MS. Miraculously the brain mass resolved, but the damage to my optical pathway was done. My doctor is astounded the mass resolved, it was very unexpected. (The power of prayer?) Doctors are unsure if my vision will ever return. I have only 50% use of both my eyes - this means I can not drive, read or write well, preventing me from being able to work.

The doctors are not giving up. I have a list of other testing and scans coming up, hopefully with some answers!

My life before July? I was a real estate agent, helping people reach their real estate dreams and goals! I volunteered with the Salvation Army as the Co-Chair on the Advisory Board. I have a huge soft spot for animals, so I helped with fostering and adopting on a small scale in my community. I have always been the first to offer help or a hand up to those in need.

Now I am in need of some help. Since July, I have not been able to work. I have spent a significant amount of time traveling to see specialists and doctors trying to find answers. Although I had savings set aside for a rainy day... I never expected my 'rainy day' to last months and months with no end in sight. Who would ?!

PLEASE HELP! I do not know when I will be able to return to work. I am doing what I can to return to work while also applying for assistance, but the outlook is grim. I am out of other options, I need YOU!

All donations will go towards expenses for Doctor appointments, travel, housing, and food. So many people have offered to help, pray, send good vibes, and send good thoughts - I am so very grateful for each and everyone of you.