Sarah Willingham's Race for Medical NeedsFund

Hi my name is Erin Chance. I'm raising money for my friend since childhood Sarah Willingham to relieve her from the pain of her day to day life. If you known Sarah, she lights up the room with her warm smile and contagious energy. My dear friend is pure sunshine & has a knack for making everyone feel loved. Sarah has been living in her own place in Gainesville for years working full time. That all came to a screeching halt April 15th 2020. Sarah was involved in an accident on her way to work. She had her first seizure that caused so many health and financial ramifications. Her life would not be the same. For the last three years she has suffered from epilepsy. She has frontoal lobe abnormalities which are causing severe memory loss. She was diagnosed with Chiari malformation of the brain. Her brain is sitting on her spinal cord. It cases nerve damage to her entire body. She has arthritis in her neck due to her neck breaking. She suffers from horrible migraines that have not been controlled well by medication. Sarah was forced to quit her long time job to take care of herself. As a result, she has no insurance or income. Thankfully, her devoted partner Mel has been taking care of her. Mel cannot do it alone anymore.

Since we reconnected, I have watched my dear friend spiral into depression due to her chronic pain and need for surgery. She is in desperate need of surgery for the Chiari malformation. Finally realizing how dire the situation was, I convinced her to allow me to raise funds for her growing medical needs. Sarah didn't want to ask for help. She needs it though. She has gone to a NgPG neurologist in the last month. They are requiring $2900 upfront for a MRI of the brain. The second MRI is $2200 for her cervical. She would have to pay in full to get these done with a discounted rate they offered. After the MRI's they can then go forward with a plan for surgery to correct the Chiari malformation. This surgery would allow Sarah to have a better quality of life. She could resume working and managing her life.

Sarah is suffering from extreme gastritis that also has been unsuccessful with medication. She is unable to eat and drink at times. She lives on smoothies. The GI doctors would like to do a esophagogastrodueodenoscopy or endoscopy. Total cost without insurance is around $4000. The total quote fro get started from the physician is $400 deposit. The GEC/BEC facility deposit fee is $700.00. The procedure would be done by Gastroenterology Associates of Gainesville. Sarah has shared all the documentation for all procedures with me. I can provide anyone proof of need. Lastly Sarah is in great need for a psychological evaluation to deal with her depression that is severe. An estimate from Lifestance was $600.00. Her current medications are not working further. No one will prescribe anti depressants without an evaluation. We have exhausted all avenues.

I am asking for all our friends and family to please help with sharing the financial burden that has fallen upon Sarah. We do not have until open enrollment to fix this. She does not qualify for any programs. The time is now to act. Please give Sarah her life back. She is in constant pain and fatigued. I'm watching my dear friend change drastically before my eyes. Any amount will help. Please share. All funds go directly to Sarah's loving partner Mel for immediate use for her care. I personally work with Mel who is a tireless advocate and loving partner.

On behalf of Sarah and Mel I appreciate any prayers and good vibes you can send their way. I will be updating this page throughout her journey to recovery. Together we can change her life. Thank you!