I’ve depleted my savings trying to cover medical bills and basic living expenses from having a tumor removed. I’ve tried to find part-time work, but I don’t yet have the stamina or mental clarity. So I’m doing something hard for me — I’m asking for help. If you’re able to contribute anything toward my recovery fund, it would mean the world to me. Every little bit will help me stay afloat while my body catches up to what my heart and mind are ready to rebuild.

My Story: Since fall of 2023, I’ve been on a long, confusing, and exhausting health journey. The symptoms came in waves — sometimes I felt okay, and then suddenly I’d feel like a shell of myself. It began with deep aches in my neck, shoulders, wrists, and hands. Then came the fatigue, brain fog, and a sense of emotional heaviness I couldn’t explain. My stomach hurt constantly. I had no appetite. I felt weak, anxious, depressed, and overwhelmed — like I was aging in fast forward.

For over a year, I searched for answers. I kept most of it to myself. I poured all of my limited energy into my work at the Crestone Eagle, a job I truly loved — until I no longer had the strength to continue. In October 2024, I had to leave my job, not knowing what was wrong, just knowing that I couldn’t keep going.

It wasn’t until March 2025 that I finally got a diagnosis: Primary Hyperparathyroidism, caused by a tumor on one of the parathyroid glands located behind the thyroid. By then, I was barely functioning. The only cure is surgery, and I had that operation at the University of Colorado Hospital in late April. While I’m so grateful the tumor was removed, recovery has been much slower than I imagined. I’m healing — but some days, getting out of bed is still a challenge. I’m working hard to stay hopeful, but this has taken a real toll on my spirit and finances.

What is Hyperparathyroidism?

Hyperparathyroidism is a rare disease where one or more of the parathyroid glands produce too much parathyroid hormone (PTH), which controls calcium in the body. In my case, it was caused by a benign tumor on one gland. Too much PTH causes calcium to be pulled from the bones into the bloodstream, leading to weakened bones, bone and muscle pain, extreme fatigue, dizziness, hypertension, depression, anxiety, confusion & forgetfulness, digestive problems, frequent thirst and urination, and major brain fog. It's often misdiagnosed or dismissed as aging, stress, or mental health issues — which is exactly what happened in my case.

Thank you for reading, for caring, and for walking beside me as I heal.

With love and deep gratitude,

Jennifer