Hi, my name is Hera, and I’m a young mom of four from Arizona facing an urgent and overwhelming health crisis.
I’ve been diagnosed with primary hyperparathyroidism, a condition where one or more of the parathyroid glands in the neck become overactive and release too much hormone — causing dangerously high levels of calcium in the blood. Most recently, my calcium reached over 13 (normal is around 8.5–10.5), which led to hallucinations, psychosis, and even a seizure that landed me in the ER. I’m currently on medication to manage the symptoms, but it isn’t working well, and my condition is progressing quickly.
Right now, I’m doing everything I can to keep going, but I’m dealing with daily symptoms like exhaustion, memory loss, confusion, severe bone and muscle pain, weakness, and kidney stones — all while trying to take care of my four young kids. I’ve even lost several teeth due to the effects of this disease on my bones. Most days, it’s hard to stand at all or remember what I was just doing. It’s starting to take over my life, and I’m scared.
The only real cure is parathyroid surgery — and time is critical. I’ve finally found a skilled surgeon willing to help me, but she doesn’t accept my insurance. While the hospital itself will take it, the surgeon requires an $1,800 upfront fee by next week, plus a $350 consultation fee.
I’m devastated to be in this situation, but I’m determined to get well for my children and be the mom they need. Any help at all would mean the world to me.
Even if you can’t donate, sharing this with others could truly help save my life.
With all my heart,
— Hera
