Andrea's Medical Fund

Hi friends,

I feel strange about posting this request; it's uncomfortable to ask what I'm asking, and it feels weird to do it via the internet. But I’m doing it anyway because I'm struggling with a health problem that has drained me financially and prevents me from working.

For the past six months, I have been experiencing symptoms of Ulcerative Colitis (a chronic illness that involves inflammation of the large intestine) which have worsened over time. They have gotten so bad that I cannot absorb nutrients from food. Consequently, I am on a strict diet of mostly bone broth and medicinal protein shakes. Stress and anxiety are huge triggers for symptoms, and I’ve now reached a point where I cannot return to work until I have this flare under control.

I’ve tried to work through all of this but noticed a clear pattern of intensifying symptoms during shifts. When I'm working, I can feel aggravation in my stomach. I enjoy my job, but it is too fast-paced and overwhelming for me in my current state. My symptoms are worsening, and I fear I must take an uninterrupted period off to heal and recover from this acute flare.

Unfortunately, as someone in the service industry, I do not get paid if I can’t go to work. And when I don't work, I know that there are things that I need to pay for that I can't cover, which also leads to stress and more pain.

As some of you know, this illness is not new to me. I have battled, off and on, with this disease for almost ten years. It has resulted in extreme weight loss, many visits to the ER as well as extended stays in the hospital. One positive thing about this situation is that I know how UC works and what my body needs to heal. The symptoms should improve if I get plenty of rest, continue my medications/diet, and stay away from high-stress situations.

People in Vermont are amazing, and I have a wonderful community around me. I appreciate you all and your warm and caring spirit. I've gotten so many texts and emails from people who know something is wrong and ask if there's anything they can do.

This GoFundMe campaign is the answer to that question. I am asking for anyone to kick in whatever money they are willing to give to help me get through this rough situation. All money donated will go towards rent, bills, groceries, medical supplements and procedures not covered by insurance.

I try to respond to all texts/emails, but sometimes it can be overwhelming. UC is an autoimmune disease that comes and goes without much warning. “How are you feeling?” can be a difficult question for me to answer.

Thank you for reading through and for your help and support.

Much love to you all,

Andrea

More details on Ulcerative Colitis and Autoimmune Disease:

Please click the link below if you haven't read the Spoon theory. A woman with Lupus wrote this analogy to help healthy folks understand what it's like living with a chronic illness. Thanks again for your time, love and support.

https://butyoudontlooksick.com/articles/written-by-christine/the-spoon-theory/

Ulcerative Colitis is a chronic disease of the large intestine in which the lining of the colon becomes inflamed and develops tiny open sores, or ulcers, that produce pus and mucous. Some symptoms of Ulcerative Colitis include abdominal pain, diarrhea with blood and mucus, urgent bowel movements, loss of appetite, nausea and vomiting, low energy, fatigue, fevers, and inflammation in joints.

https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/10351-ulcerative-colitis