Please Help My Sister Through Chronic Illness
Donation protected
Hi everyone,
I am reaching out to ask for support for my sister Crystal who is struggling with multiple chronic health conditions.
There are so many tragedies happening around us right now and it can be hard to know how to absorb all that is going on in the world. In the midst of all of this, I am here with a concern close to home, regarding a person who is dear to me.
Some words that come to mind when I think of Crystal are sweet, thoughtful, unique, and kind. She is a keen observer, deep listener, and a nature lover. There is no one quite like Crystal. She is a true and faithful believer in a world where there is value in authenticity, and she is fully committed to something that is increasingly dear and rare today: emotional and intellectual integrity.
The combination of these qualities is what make Crystal so very special. Sadly, she has been battling a complex array of chronic illnesses and severe pain for over a decade. I am reaching out to you now because over the last year her struggles have become increasingly difficult. Despite many challenges she has done all she can to care for herself in a broken medical system. Our friend and sister Crystal needs our support to keep things afloat to ensure that she can continue to get the medical treatments she needs.
A Brief History of Her Medical Journey
Crystal has been living with several chronic and debilitating conditions for many years, including:
- Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS), has caused her significant health challenges for over twenty years.
- A disc is pressing into the nerve line of her cervical spine, along with reverse cervical lordosis and multilevel degenerative changes, causing chronic neck and shoulder pain and mobility issues.
- Postherpetic neuralgia, a complication from shingles, which has left her with severe nerve pain that is difficult to manage and impacts her life daily.
- Complex Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (CPTSD)
- Antiphospholipid Syndrome, a dangerous clotting disorder associated with lupus.
- Chronic migraines for over 15 years, as well as trigeminal neuralgia.
These conditions are compounded by long-term complications from COVID-19, which caused her to develop shingles twice in the past four years further exacerbating her health issues.
The Impact on Her Life
Living with this overwhelming combination of health issues and complex post-traumatic stress disorder (CPTSD) has made it difficult for Crystal to work full time. The stress and mental toll have been increasingly difficult to navigate in the past handful of years. Managing her health, attending countless doctor’s appointments, and undergoing various treatments fill up most of her days.
How You Can Help
We are humbly asking for your support to help alleviate some of the financial burden so that Crystal can stay in a stable situation, keep her from being uprooted, and give her time to focus on her health and healing.
The funds raised will go toward:
-Ongoing medical treatments and therapies
-Specialist appointments and integrative medicine treatment
-Daily living expenses
-Travel expenses to doctor appointments in Worcester and Boston
Why Your Help Matters
Crystal is a wonderful sister, auntie and a devoted friend. Anyone who knows my sister knows how unique and endearing she is. Her art and creative spirit bring so much joy to the world. Despite everything, Crystal continues to fight for her health with courage and grace. By donating, you’re not only helping to ease her financial burden, but you will also be giving Crystal hope and the opportunity to go on a restorative journey towards healing and wellness. You would also be helping out my sweet little dog nephew, Snowy! Woof!
Thank you for taking the time to read about this fundraiser. Any contribution, big or small, makes a difference and is deeply appreciated. If you’re unable to donate, please consider sharing this page to help spread the word. Your kindness and support mean the world to us.
With gratitude,
Angela Birk (Regan)
You can donate here or directly via Venmo.
Venmo:
Crystal Regan
Organizer and beneficiary
Angela Birk
Organizer
Northampton, MA
Crystal Regan
Beneficiary