My name is Korey, and I’ve been living with gastroparesis for over four years. My stomach only works at 14 percent, which means I deal with daily nausea and vomiting. This has taken a huge toll on my health, leading to the loss of all my teeth and the need for implants, bone grafting, and dentures. Paying off these dental expenses is urgent for us, as it’s all out of pocket. I’ve also had a stomach stimulator put in to help control my symptoms, and I recently needed emergency surgery for a feeding tube and pump after I was days away from dying. In total, I’ve had over 20 surgeries, and I know there are more ahead. I also have a spinal cord stimulator to help manage chronic pain from my many procedures, and I’m currently in the process of being diagnosed with POTS and Hypermobile EDS. My list of health challenges is long, and many have limited research or treatment options.
Through all of this, my mother Donna has been my biggest supporter and caretaker. She’s taken weeks off work without pay to be by my side in and out of the hospital. Right now, we’re struggling to keep up with medical bills, dental expenses, and the cost of living. I’m unable to work due to my disabilities and rely on SSI once a month, which isn’t enough to cover our needs. Donna’s support means everything to me, but it’s been hard for both of us to keep going without help.
Despite these challenges, I still have dreams for the future. I want to go to culinary school, open my own bakery, and travel the world. I love cooking, baking, makeup, cosplay, and streaming video games. I hope to start a YouTube channel to raise awareness about living with chronic illness and mental health struggles, and to speak out about the importance of advocating for yourself in the medical system. Your support would help relieve the stress and worry my family faces every day, and bring me closer to a future where I can pursue my passions and give back to others. Thank you for reading and for any help you can give.
