Family, Friends, and all other readers,
Thank you so much for your love and support since I have received my acceptance into an Intensive Outpatient program for Functional Neurological Disorder. Although it is very stressful trying to fundraise and do everything I have to, to make this happen... I am very hopeful in the process, and I am doing my best to stay positive.
I have had a few setbacks since being accepted including multiple seizures which, once again, has caused me to lose my speech and ability to use my hands. I am recovering but this is why I have to get to this program. It is very important to me to be able to get back to living a somewhat normal life and this neurological program will be a huge benefit to getting me on the right track. It's not going to be easy, actually it's going to be really hard. I do know that I am going to put my all into doing what I have to do to heal.
I do want to say that it is rather stressful when people say, "When you walk again" or "I know you are going to walk." I know no harm is meant by these words, but it is really a lot of pressure. I would love to walk. I would love to get back to the life I lived before this, but I also want to know I will be okay even if this wheelchair life has to be my new normal. I'm not ready to accept that but that is a large part of why it is so important for me to get to a facility that specializes in Functional Neurological Disorder.
I'm not one to ask for money or help. Anyone who knows me, knows that I am an extremely independent person and want to do things on my own but unfortunately that is just not possible in my situation. I am fighting disability which can take YEARS. I have continued to do my crafts on days my hands decide they want to work, but it is not an easy task due to my episodes and paralysis.
No, I don't want to ask for this but if anyone is willing to take 10 seconds to share my story or donate even $1 it would mean the world to me as I fight my disability. If you ever have any questions, don't hesitate to reach out because I want to bring as much awareness to this disorder that is barely talked of. I want to make a difference.
Below I have attached multiple ways for you to support my journey:
https://www.givesendgo.com/TeamAspen
https://venmo.com/code?user_id=2903890060115968466&created=1643680681
https://cash.app/$AspenBaxter
With love always, Aspen Sage