My name is Shawn Costill, and I’m writing to ask for help during an incredibly difficult time. I’ve been battling serious medical issues since I was 12 years old, and despite years of surgeries and treatment, I’m now facing overwhelming financial stress as my health continues to affect my ability to work.
It all started with severe, constant stomach pain that left me bedridden and eventually homeschooled. After countless ER visits and doctors, I was diagnosed with endometriosis — four cysts and significant scar tissue were found during surgery. We hoped that treatment would ease the pain, but it never did. Over time, I learned to live with it, only going to the ER when it became unbearable.
Years later, a routine physical for a school activity finally gave us answers. A doctor listened closely, ran tests, and diagnosed me with MALS — a rare and painful stomach compression disorder that requires surgery to fix. Since then, I’ve also been diagnosed with Nutcracker Syndrome (which led to a kidney transplant), SMAS, May-Thurner Syndrome, POTS, and Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome. I’ve now had 12 surgeries in total.
While we are doing everything we can to manage my conditions, the reality is that my pain has recently worsened. I’ve missed work, fallen behind on bills, and am struggling to keep up. While there are some assistance programs for my medical costs, everyday expenses — rent, utilities, basic needs — don’t qualify. I’m currently $2,500 behind and truly just need enough to catch up and breathe again.
Any support you can offer would bring enormous relief and allow me to focus on healing without the fear of financial collapse hanging over me. I’m deeply grateful for your time, your compassion, and any help you can provide.
With sincere thanks,
Shawn Costill
Venmo:Shawn-Costill
PayPal Link:https://paypal.me/shawncostill?country.x=US&locale.x=en_US