School Counselor Needs Help

At the beginning of the 2016-17 school year, Thalia Papadakis, an elementary school counselor, was diagnosed with Ehlers Danlos, a joint and connective tissue disorder that causes the joints to dislocate and breaks down the body's internal and external collagen. The dislocations and resulting degenerative arthritis cause extreme pain.  Thalia, who is single and lives by herself, is unable to work at the high needs school where she worked the previous three years.  

In May 2017, the Ehlers Danlos caused gastroparesis, a disorder in which the digestive system shuts down.  She can no longer eat solid food and is sustained by cans of liquid (prescription).  She is losing about ten pounds a month due to the pain of this condition.  Since going on disability, Thalia has incurred many medical bills as well as daily living expenses.   In September, her health insurance premium will increase by more than double.   She is concerned about being unable to meet this increase and deductibles,  her rent,  and living expenses. In addition, she is taking as much as ten medications per month, many of which are specialized and expensive.

Thalia began the Food Pantry in her school and has been very involved in cat and dog rescue in the community.  Her ultimate goal is to get healthy again, continue to work with children and families, get her Ph.D.  in school psychology, and pursue her passion in helping homeless cats and dogs.   Any help that can be given so that she can make it through this difficult time is greatly appreciated.