Hi, my name is Carson and i'm 19 years old. I've lived with multiple severe and treatment-resistant conditions since i was 6 years old, including MCAS, POTS, hEDS, vascular compressions, and severe gastrointestinal issues. These conditions affect my entire body and make daily life extremely difficult. I am currently homeless (in temporary housing) and trying to secure stable housing, but I’m unable to do so without additional support. To access housing and support through the NDIS, I urgently need a Functional Capacity Assessment (FCA) which will cost $3,000. Without this assessment, I cannot move forward with getting safe housing and the assistance required to live safely and manage my conditions.

I am doing everything I can to raise money myself, including cutting down on food, selling personal items such as clothes and old mobility aids, but it is not enough to cover the costs.

Although Australia has public healthcare, it only covers basic services like GP visits, public hospital care, and some medications. Much of the care I need is not covered as my conditions are highly under researched, under funded and plainly ignored.

I receive $300 per week, and most of it goes toward medical expenses. Some weeks, my costs can reach up to $2,000, with individual appointments and procedures often costing between $800–$1,000. I currently require weekly IV fluid due to hypovolaemia which is through a private hospital and this may turn to daily. I also require many compounded medications (100-200 a month), without them I am severely bed bound and unable to take care of myself and I experience anaphylactic reactions daily just to my existing environment. This is only a short glimpse into my daily experiences.

I truly hate to ask for financial support and I feel uneasy sharing this much about myself but at this stage I have no choice. I am asking for support with affording rent, food, medications, medical treatment and my FCA. Every cent will go towards my wellbeing and health. When I am healthier, I would love to become a support worker to advocate for chronically ill people in my position as it’s incredibly cruel what we go through. Any support such as donations or even sharing would make a meaningful difference in helping me access essential care and secure stable housing. Thank you so much reading :)

More information on my primary condition (hEDS) : https://www.ehlers-danlos.com/what-is-eds/