Hi everyone,
My name is Nisshaa. I'm a 27-year-old woman living with dystonia and epilepsy. I'm here today to ask for your help in raising money for surgery that could change my life.
I was diagnosed with dystonia when I was six years old. It's a neurological disorder that causes involuntary muscle contractions. This means that my muscles are constantly moving, even when I don't want them to. It can be very painful, and it makes it difficult to do everyday tasks.
My dystonia started in my left arm at the age of 6. At the age of 20, my neck started to twist to one side. Then, it affected my back muscles, which caused me to be bedridden twice, at the ages of 22 and 25. Now, my dystonia is spreading to my legs, and it is very painful.
I have been on medication for the past 10 years, but it hasn't been enough to control my symptoms. I am still in a lot of pain, and I can't work full-time. I am currently working part-time as a teacher, but I can't afford to pay my bills or live on my own. I earn about RM400 per month, which I use for my physiotherapy to ease my muscle pain.
The next step in my treatment is Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) surgery. DBS is a minimally invasive procedure that involves implanting electrodes in my brain. The electrodes send electrical signals to the part of my brain that controls movement, which can help reduce the involuntary muscle contractions.
I'm so hopeful that DBS surgery will give me my life back. I want to be able to work full-time and support myself. I want to be able to live a normal life without pain in my body.The cost of DBS surgery is very high.
The break-down of my surgery:-
DBS implant = RM50,000
Hospitalisation & surgical = RM15,000
Total cost = RM65,000.
I don't have medical insurance, so I'm asking for your help in raising money for my surgery. Any amount you can donate will make a difference. My parents tried to get me a medical card, but none would give me one because I've had dystonia since I was six years old.
Despite my condition, I persevered to study for my master's degree. I graduated with a Master in English Language Studies in 2022, but I am unable to work full-time due to my health.
I have always had an interest in the arts and literature, dating back to when I was 21 years old. I have written poems about the journey of my body and mind. If my upcoming surgery is successful, I will compile all of my poems, from my lowest lows to my highest highs, and publish a book. I aspire to be a poet, and I am planning on taking my first big leap into the world of publications. However, my writing is currently being held back by the random illnesses caused by my dystonia.
The excess funds will be used to support my recovery after the surgery. I am not sure what my body's condition will be after the surgery, so I need to be prepared for anything. I will need supplements and vitamins to help my body heal, and I may also need help with my living expenses.
Every donation matters, and I am beyond grateful to receive your help to donate. If you are unable to donate, sharing my fundraiser around would be very helpful to me. Thank you for helping me out in every way possible.
Thank you so much,
Nisshaa
