Meheen's Chronic Illness Ongoing Costs

Hello everyone! Old friends and family, and new friends and supporters.

My name is Meheen Ruby, and I have a lifelong chronic condition, fibromyalgia. This is a dynamic disability, meaning that (mostly because of my tenacious workaholic personality) I keep busy with projects and client work but need flexibility in the 9-5 regular setup. That wasn't a match for my previous employer, interestingly enough.

Because of how the economy has changed during COVID times, discrimination in the workplace is at an all-time high for marginalized genders and disabled workers. Although I am fortunate to have a lot of experience, I am again at a time where the lengthy period of unemployment has made finances and health a challenge.

That is where I reach out to my glorious and loving community. Since 2019 and the first significant illness flare that left me newly disabled, you all stepped in and gave me the security to focus on my diagnosis. I was never alone for a moment of that journey. However, to stay safe during this long pandemic, I now need help.

Although I have been managing my symptoms well, I need new tests, new specialist appointments, and potentially this year a preventative procedure, a repeat of something I needed in the past for my chronic condition.

I need your help to stay in weekly strength PT. My mobility has increased a lot, and while I still require a mobility aid for long distances, I can function without my wheelchair a lot of the time. However, I do need a different kind of mobility aid that is as dynamic as me.

After a lot of research, I have settled on a foldable scooter, and I would dearly love your support to make this a reality for me. Living in Monterey Bay, I miss going along the bike path, and this would really get me outside and going distances again.

Thank you for your time! I will update with details.