This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.

Community Corner

A Humble Plea For Help for My Mayo Clinic Medical Treatment.

If you, or a family member, has ever been diagnosed with a severe illness, you know all too well that not only is it emotionally draining but it is financially draining as well. I have been fighting a severe case of Celiac Disease and CVID, both AutoImmune Diseases, for years. I have spent my entire life savings on Doctors and Hospitals who dismissed me and the diseases and never gave me the proper treatments for either. After so many years of dismissal, I had no choice but to seek help from the Mayo Clinic. It is the first time my illnesses, and myself, were treated with the gravity and empathy they deserved. I now have a treatment plan but this does not come cheaply. So I am posting this in the hopes that I will raise money to pay for my treatment, a wheelchair, medications and any follow up trip to the Mayo if that becomes necessary. I am beyond grateful to those who have already helped me. But I have yet to make my goal. I have a long road ahead of me. I know that times are incredibly difficult but if you have gone through this and can empathize, especially if you've gone through this without family, I hope you will find a way to share even just a few dollars. It is very difficult for me to ask for help of this nature. I have worked since I was 14 and never had to ask for help for anything. But now I can't work nor can I do the most basic every day functions and this money is what will decide whether I get good treatment from here on out or no treatment at all. I want a chance. I think we all deserve that chance and the only way I could properly thank any one who helps me with this is to be able to heal, go back to work and pay it forward every chance I get. I hope you will help me. 
With sincere gratitude,
Vanessa Marquez
P.S. I was recently helped by Housing Rights and given the right to get a service dog. But I'm having trouble finding organizations that adopt out service dogs. I am looking for one that works with people with mobility difficulties. If anyone knows of an organization, I would so appreciate any information you could give me. Thank you again. 
Give Forward campaign: https://www.giveforward.com/fundraiser/chb4/vanessa-marquez-s-mayo-clinic-treatment-fund
Media: http://mercurie.blogspot.com/2014/05/please-help-fellow-classic-film-fan.html?spref=tw                http://almostnerdy.com/nerd-news/star-wars-fans-unite-help-vanessa-marquez/

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

The views expressed in this post are the author's own. Want to post on Patch?

More from South Pasadena