Hi, my name is Erica, and for the past year, I’ve been navigating life without stable housing—for both myself and my sweet cat, Monks. We’ve been living in survival mode, relying on the kindness of friends, house-sitting when possible, and doing everything we can to get by. But things took a serious turn after I was diagnosed with Long Haul Covid, autonomic dysregulation, and vagal syncope.
Before all of this, I spent 15 years working with children with special needs, supporting their growth with care and dedication. Later, I followed my passion for the outdoors and transitioned into the outdoor recreation world, leading hikes, teaching wilderness skills, and sharing my love of nature with others. I was active, energetic, and deeply connected to my work and my community.
Now, my nervous system is stuck in a constant fight-or-flight state, leaving me overwhelmed and physically depleted. Every day I battle a range of symptoms that make even basic tasks difficult: dizziness, nausea, chest tightness, shortness of breath, migraines, brain fog, confusion, anxiety, and depression.
I used to hike for miles with friends on weekends. I spent my days outdoors, on my feet, immersed in the natural world. I had so many hobbies I loved—birding, hiking, whittling, fire building, and more. Now, I can barely make it outside.
I’ve had to leave my part-time job, and despite my condition, I’ve been denied disability. After months of being dismissed and gas lit by medical professionals, I finally received a diagnosis—but their is no treatment. The few options that offer hope—red light therapy, hyperbaric oxygen sessions, acupuncture, and care from functional medicine doctors—are not covered by insurance and are painfully expensive.
Without stable housing, income, or access to consistent care, recovery feels out of reach. I’m reaching out for support so I can create a safe, healing environment for both myself and my cat.
Your donations will help cover:
Ongoing holistic and functional medicine treatments
Safe, stable housing and essential living costs
Basic care for me and my cat while I focus on recovery
Even a small donation can bring us closer to stability and healing. If you’re not in a position to give, sharing this with your network would mean the world.
Thank you for reading, for caring, and for believing in brighter days ahead for us.
With heartfelt gratitude,
Erica