Kara Toomey

Almost four years ago, I woke up and could not feel my body. What would follow is a diagnosis of a rare autoimmune disease that would catastrophically change my life. The immediate onset of this disease, took away things I had previously taken for granted: my certainty in every step, my freedom of mobility, my self-esteem, my confidence, my career, my social life, and so much more.

I’ve come a long way through therapies, rebuilding where I’ve felt depleted. I’m finally at a point where I can safely set goals for independence and self-reliance, but that starts with a humble ask: help from my friends to support my desire to help me pay down some 20k in medical debt, and hopefully, help me procure/purchase a car with adaptive hand equipment that will enable me to drive once again. Regaining my ability to drive will allow me to leave my home, seek out work, see friends, grocery shop, and more.

Until now, I’ve relied on family and friends to do so much more than I’ve been able to reciprocate. I’d like to be able to get closer to where I was almost four years ago, and this is a big step for me in that direction. I am humbled to begin fundraising for medical debt, driving lessons, a car, and adaptive driving equipment through the charity Help Hope Live. We all need hope, and I didn’t have much for a very long time. Now I do, thanks in part to the support and motivation of those around me. If you are able to contribute any amount toward my campaign, you have my most sincere gratitude. Thank you!

Please feel free to visit my updates for my full story and notes throughout this fundraising journey.

Family and friends of Kara Toomey are raising money for the nonprofit Help Hope Live to fund uninsured medical expenses associated with Catastrophic Illness.

Kara has chosen to fundraise for Help Hope Live in part because Help Hope Live assures fiscal accountability of funds raised and tax deductibility for contributors. Contributors can be sure donations will be used to pay or reimburse medical and related expenses. To make a tax-deductible donation to this fundraising campaign, click on the Give button.

For more information, please contact Help Hope Live at 800.642.8399.

Thank you for your support!