My name is Cynthia. I grew up with a few food allergies but enjoyed a relatively normal life. As a teenager and young adult, I worked multiple jobs, was actively involved in local missions and church, loved traveling and cruising, and was a health enthusiast. I cherished my relationships with family and friends, but as I became sicker, my time with others diminished.

My life changed dramatically when we became caregivers for my in-laws, relocating to Georgia for full-time care. I turned down a full-time job, juggling multiple part-time jobs so that I could be more available to help. This would allow my husband to work full time while I was helping with managing in-laws frequent medical appointments and hospitalizations. This already demanding situation took a devastating turn when his dad passed away. 

I was then intentionally exposed to severe allergens—shellfish, bananas, and various chemicals—by my mother-in-law and her guests. They would suddenly wear fragrances, use plug-ins, chemical cleaners, and even spray Febreeze around me, mocking my anaphylactic reactions. These exposures escalated my symptoms, with each incident more severe than the last, leading to new allergens and repeated anaphylaxis requiring emergency interventions. This prolonged exposure led to Multiple Chemical Sensitivities (MCS) and Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS), which profoundly affect every aspect of my life. The constant stress and emergency medications also resulted in a diagnosis of adrenal insufficiency (low cortisol).

MCAS significantly effects my quality of life. The excessive histamine production causes debilitating reaction. My ability to eat is restricted; some days, I rely solely on IV fluids for hydration because my body won't tolerate even drinking water. I can't use unfiltered water for washing my hands, showering, or cooking. I must avoid countless environmental triggers, necessitating the use of a mask in public which I only leave home now for appointments. The constant threat of unpredictable, life-threatening reactions leaves me homebound. Anything at any time can be dangerous for me. Because of the constant assault of allergen exposures it resulted in overloading my immune system. In turn, my body attacks itself. It's like being allergic to living, self, and the world.

Since March 2023, I've been under the care of an MCAS specialist who also recognized and had me see a doctor that confirmed Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS) diagnosis also. We’ve been trying options for both MCAS and POTS.

My triggers include stress, emotional changes, fatigue, heat, sunlight, mold, pollen, dust, chemicals, scents, smoke, exhaust fumes, fluorescent lights, exercise, insect bites, infections, hormonal fluctuations, and even airborne food scents. Symptoms like chronic fatigue, anaphylaxis, dizziness, brain fog, cognitive impairment, full-body hives, weight gain, infections, adrenal issues, shock-like sensations, blurred vision, tremors, insomnia, and sensory processing difficulties are debilitating. My physical limitations require handicapped parking permits due to sudden flares, fainting, and anaphylactic reactions.

For me each day is highly restricted in even basic task, ability to work, go to church, grocery shop, errands and so forth. The airborne particles of most all foods causes me severe MCAS attacks which means that I can’t go out to eat, places that someone may have food, and most places. Even my husband's food has to be prepared outside of my living space. These challenges have led me to seeking disability, but that takes time I have multiple appointments each month. We are struggling to find a stable baseline with various medications. I have lost multiple jobs due to health, symptoms, airborne allergies, collapsing, and anaphylaxis at work, resulting in medical leave.

All of this combined with the consistent need for emergency rescue medications to stop severe MCAS attacks including anaphylaxis led to the decision to have a port placed. This is a decision with my MCAS specialist and medical team and necessary to save my life.

My husband, navigating his medical challenges, including a pituitary tumor, he has had no family help for financial assistance, and my family’s help is limited.

Funds will go toward medical travel to see specialist, the port process, co-pays, deductibles, life-saving treatments, medications, supplies, home health, and modifications to make my living environment safer. Your support is immensely appreciated and vital for my ability to live without constant anaphylactic attacks. Thank you for your prayers, support, sharing this, compassion, and understanding.

Here is a video of my husband explaining my battle:

My journey (TikTok video)

Venmo & Cashapp: CynthiaKersh

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