Title:
I Need Help Getting a Diagnosis — Something Isn’t Right
Story:
Hi, my name is Tabitha Burch, and I’m raising funds to get answers for a serious and growing medical concern that’s been dismissed for too long.
Over the past few months, I’ve developed a large, painful mass in my neck. It’s clearly visible on MRI and CT scans, yet multiple radiology reports have either missed it entirely or dismissed it as a “normal” lymph node — even though it is palpable, growing, and causing daily discomfort and pressure in my neck and shoulder.
One second opinion from a remote radiologist listed the structure as a 6mm lymph node, but what I feel under my skin is at least the size of a quarter. This discrepancy is deeply concerning. I’ve spent months being told “everything looks normal,” while the symptoms continue to worsen.
I am now trying to get into a major cancer center like MD Anderson for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate care. But traveling several hours away, possibly for multiple days, comes with costs: lodging, food, transportation, unpaid time off work, and out-of-pocket medical expenses.
This fundraiser will help me:
Travel for expert evaluation
Access care not available locally
Cover basic costs while I’m away from work
Push forward when the system hasn’t taken my symptoms seriously
Even if the mass turns out to be benign, I deserve peace of mind — and the care I’ve received so far has not provided it. I’ve done everything I can on my own: advocating, pushing for imaging, paying out-of-pocket for second opinions — but now I need help to move forward.
Thank you for reading, sharing, or donating. Your support truly means the world.
With hope and gratitude,
Tabitha