Brooke Rose Foster

My name is Brooke, I’m 25 years old and I survive on nutrition I get through my heart. I have been on this nutrition, also known as TPN, for over a year and a half. Due to many medical conditions I’m unable to eat or drink by mouth, or do tube feeds through my small intestine.

I was severely malnourished for a long time and that has come with some permanent damage. One example is my teeth. They’re to the point I need root canals on most of them, or to have them pulled. Insurance will cover a little, but most has been out of pocket.

I am still getting a lot of work up and testing done to try and figure out what’s going on. Currently I’m seeing a gastroenterologist across country, at the Cleveland clinic in Ohio. Having to fly there and stay costs, and due to not being able to work I’ve racked up some debt.

I’m paying a lot out of pocket for medical supplies, that unfortunately insurance won’t cover at this time. For me to do get the fluid alone I need is costing me $800-$1000 a week. Not including supplies and medications, things are getting expensive fast.

I have future surgery expenses that will be a significant amount out of pocket.

A little tidbit, I was a preemie at 27 1/2 weeks and am on the “preemie wall of fame.”

For anyone curious, because I myself am a snoopie snoop… so far we (my team of doctors and myself) know that I have: gastroparesis, SMAS, GERD, POTS, hEDS, degenerate disc disease, and arthritis but unsure of the type.

A few things about me:

Before I got severely sick in 2021 I was going to school for medical assisting, and was eventually going to get my nursing in labor and delivery.

I love anything crafty. I love to crochet, paint, and draw.

I have 3 dogs, an all white German shepherd and 2 mini Aussies.

My FAVORITE place in the world to go vacationing is the zoo. I would love to see the San Diego zoo at some point in my life.

My favorite animals to see are the elephants and giraffes!