About Me

Our Journey

Living with Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy
and Seeking Justice

The Story of Endurance, Advocacy, and Resilience

Introduction

This is the story of myself and my husband, Tony, navigating the immense challenges of living with Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy (RSD), also known as Chronic Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS), and the uphill battle for justice that has shaped our lives since my diagnosis in 2007. Our journey is marked by extraordinary financial burdens, legal victories overshadowed by judicial failures, and an unwavering determination to persevere.

Diagnosis and Impact

In 2007, my life took a dramatic turn when I was diagnosed with Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy, a chronic condition characterized by severe and unrelenting pain. The timing was bittersweet—just before I sat for and passed the New York Bar. While this achievement marked the beginning of a promising legal career, it was quickly overshadowed by the relentless physical and financial challenges of RSD.
The medical expenses associated with RSD have been staggering. Every year, Tony and I have had to pay between $30,000 and $50,000 out-of-pocket for necessary treatments, medications, and therapies. These costs have placed an enormous strain on our finances, forcing us to make difficult choices and sacrifices, all while battling a condition that, to this day, remains misunderstood and under-recognized.

We tried to do a GoFundMe page and we received $120 from two different people so this time I thought I would produce products that could be sold that most people seem to love which are these beatable pins which are the first of many types of crafting that are going to be put on this website. 

Legal Struggles and Court Battles

Despite the hardships, I refused to let my diagnosis define me or limit my aspirations. After passing the New York Bar, Tony and I embarked on a legal fight to secure justice in light of the circumstances surrounding my illness. Through perseverance, we won our lawsuit, being granted several motions for summary judgment as well as multiple preclusion orders.However, the legal system failed us in ways that continue to haunt our efforts for justice. Despite our victories, the presiding judge refused to uphold her own decisions. This baffling reversal meant that the relief we fought so hard for was denied, and our faith in the legal process was shaken.

The New York Court of Appeals, tasked with reviewing the judge's decision, also refused to uphold the original ruling. This refusal, in our view, is emblematic of a system plagued by corruption and bias. For us, their actions seemed as questionable as those of Joe Lopez and the First Department Appellate Court, whose conduct only deepened our sense of injustice.

Endurance and Advocacy

The combination of ongoing medical expenses and legal adversity has tested our resolve in unimaginable ways. Yet, Tony and I remain steadfast, drawing strength from each other and from the knowledge that our struggle speaks to a broader need for reform in both the healthcare and judicial systems.

Our hope is that by sharing our story, we can raise awareness of Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy and the financial, physical, and emotional toll it takes on families. We also wish to highlight the importance of judicial integrity and the devastating consequences when courts fail to uphold their own decisions.

Conclusion

Through pain, adversity, and disappointment, Tony and I continue to forge ahead. We believe that courage, advocacy, and truth will ultimately prevail. This journey has shaped us, and we are committed to fighting for justice—not just for ourselves, but for all those who struggle with chronic illnesses and complex legal battles.