Jany, a Cuban mother residing in Miami, is facing a severe crisis after spending half a year bedridden and undergoing numerous surgeries due to a chronic skin condition known as hidradenitis suppurativa. This painful illness causes swollen lumps to form in areas of skin friction, such as the armpits and groin, drastically impairing her mobility and quality of life.
The health complications have led to the loss of her job, leaving the family without a steady income during this prolonged period. Their savings have been depleted by the mounting medical expenses over the past months. Jany has endured eight surgeries on her legs in less than a year.
The situation is further complicated as Jany is the mother of two young girls, with the family struggling to cover rent, basic utilities, and the children's education costs. "I'm asking for help because we're in a desperate situation with the bills, rent, school payments, and more," Jany expressed in a video posted on TikTok under the account Conducta (@conductadade).
"I've never done this before—asking for help on social media—but I'm desperate," she said, her voice breaking. Her words highlight the difficult decision to seek support from the online community amid the uncertainty her family is enduring.
The Emotional and Physical Toll of Hidradenitis Suppurativa
Hidradenitis suppurativa not only brings physical pain but also significantly impacts the emotional and psychological well-being of those affected. As a chronic and progressive condition, it often results in recurrent flare-ups, necessitating surgical interventions and long-term treatments to manage inflammation and prevent severe infections.
For Jany, these persistent outbreaks have severely limited her ability to live a normal life, even hindering her from performing everyday tasks. In response to her plea for help, numerous social media users have shown their support. Those wishing to contribute can find her on TikTok under the username @janygaby, where she shares her story in hopes of gathering the financial assistance needed to face the challenging days ahead for her and her family.