Fighting to Breath; Help Jaime Live a Normal Life

Hi, I'm Jaime. I'm 23 years old and live in Tauranga with my dog Fig. My life changed 2 years ago when I was diagnosed with Bronchiectasis; a chronic respiratory condition where scarring builds up in my airways, allowing excess mucus to accumulate and become a breeding ground for bacteria. The amount of mucus means small illnesses turn into big infections and the infections create more scarring, which worsens the mucus. The excess mucus means I'm constantly coughing, fighting to breathe.

The inflammation also means that I can't partake in anything cardiovascular, which was a jarring change to my active, normal life as a 21 year old.

I have suffered from lifelong anxiety and have found remedial peace in things like running, swimming, cycling and hiking an opposition to being medicated. I am also a passionate football player, and almost all of my hobbies/joy in life is found in being active outside in some way. The constant inability to breathe has destroyed my mental health and well-being and I spend 90% of my life aggressively coughing. At one point, I passed out unconscious during football for lack of oxygen!

The past 2 years had been full of trips to doctors who have told me I am asthmatic, allergic, or am making it up.

Last year, I finally saved enough for a specialist diagnosis which set me back $4000, a big hit when you are a student and struggling to buy groceries.

Please help me to fund treatment that I desperately need but cannot afford, and help me live a normal life