Family and friends of Cristina Cordoba are raising money for the nonprofit Help Hope Live to fund uninsured medical expenses associated with a Catastrophic Illness. Cristina has chosen to fundraise with Help Hope Live in part because donations are tax deductible for contributors and will only be used to cover medical and related expenses. Help Hope Live has verified her illnesses with her physicians and all related expenses will be disbursed by Help Hope Live.
The goal is to raise $21,625 to help her manage her many chronic illnesses over the next 6-12 months. She hopes that with assistance, she can have more good days than bad, and foster a new career as a creative writer and wellness practitioner treating those with hypermobility and chronic illnesses.
In 2024, Cristina was diagnosed with hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (hEDS). hEDS is a heritable connective tissue disorder that causes generalized joint hypermobility, joint instability, chronic pain, and chronic fatigue. hEDS is also associated with a variety of other symptoms and related conditions that affect many different areas of the body, including the heart, blood vessels, and brain. Cristina was also diagnosed with Dysautonomia, POTS, MCAS, and Poly Autoimmune Syndrome.
A former marketing director, Cristina’s life was turned upside down when she became chronically disabled by her health conditions that became worse after long COVID. It’s a misnomer that all people with invisible illnesses are immobile or stuck in bed all the time. In fact, they need to be mobile to strengthen muscles around defective ligaments. Movement and staying physically fit are essential for the hypermobile human. Cristina chooses to do this through modified dance and is also working on a program for those with her condition.
If you know her, you know that Cristina is a fighter and won’t give up or accept a poor quality of life. She is actively pursuing treatments that can offer relief for her symptoms and optimal heath. The cost of managing a lifelong chronic illness is more than most could take on as many treatments are not covered by insurance. Cristina’s son was also diagnosed with hypermobility, insufficient growth hormones, and insulin resistance. He’s on daily medication as well.
If it is within your means and you wish to help Cristina and her son get the best care and feel as well as possible while enjoying their lives, please continue reading to see what your support could provide.
Plasma Rich Platelet injections for Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome related connective tissue tears. Recent MRIs show continual tears and degradation of ligaments. Her physician recommends these injections for her knees, left ankle, and right shoulder rather than additional surgeries. Cost: $750 each Number needed: 4 Total: $3000
Medications not covered by insurance: Since switching to Medicaid, United Healthcare has denied medications that she has been on for over a year that help her maintain her health to where it is now. Cost: $1750
Compounded pain medications: Cristina takes low dose maldrexone for chronic pain related to EDS. It is not covered by insurance, but it is prescribed by her physician to improve her quality of life. Cost: $150 every 3 months Number needed: 2 Total: $300
Physical therapy with hypermobile specialists: $249 each session Number needed: 24 Total: $6575
Specialists (neurologists to address cranio-cervical instability, immunologists to address Mast Cell Activation Syndrome; includes travel, appointments, tests, procedures, and treatments): $5000
Therapy equipment and silver ring splints to prevent hyper-extension of hypermobile finger joints: $5000
Thank you for taking the time to read Cristina’s story and your support.
