With frequent relocations, long days apart, and the unpredictability of duty calls, military families are always ready for change. They just don’t always expect those changes to be lifelong.

When Shahrazad was diagnosed with Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS), daily life became increasingly difficult. In the last few years, the light at the end of the tunnel has been elusive.

Shahrazad's journey began with a dream-like partnership and marriage. "Life was exciting! Being newlyweds and living in Hawaii at the start of our marriage journey was amazing," she recalled. Their days were filled with outdoor adventures, from beach outings to bike rides, and they soaked up every minute of paradise they could.

But on the horizon, a storm was brewing, and the onset of POTS brought a stark change to their once-active lifestyle.

POTS, a disorder that affects blood flow, caused Shahrazad to experience severe fatigue, dizziness, and vertigo. Forget riding a bike or going for walks outdoors. Shahrazad struggled to just get up and move about.

"I spent most of my time on the couch or the bed," she explained. Tasks that were once simple became monumental challenges, requiring frequent breaks and assistance from her husband, a staff sergeant in the Army. Nowadays, even a simple trip to the grocery store isn’t what it once was. "Errands are normally run with store scooters because I can't walk through a large grocery store for long."

Despite these challenges, Shahrazad's resilience continues to shine through. As a mother, she found ways to connect with her son, even on the hardest days. "Sometimes we play with his toys on the couch to make things easier for me," she said. Her husband's unwavering support has been a huge source of her strength. "With the military lifestyle, your immediate family is all you have. All you have is each other," she emphasized.

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The turning point in Shahrazad's journey came a few months ago when she learned about the potential benefits of a hyperbaric oxygen chamber for her condition. Recommended by her functional doctor, this therapy offered a glimmer of hope – which was almost immediately dashed when they saw the financial impact. The burden of acquiring such a treatment was daunting. And that's when Chive Charities stepped in.

When Shahrazad received the news that Chive Charities and its donors were fully funding the chamber, her relief was palpable. "I was SHOCKED. I definitely cried happy tears," she shared. The grant, totaling $7,870, not only provided the equipment she needed but also a renewed sense of hope.

"I am looking forward to calming down the tachycardia and my nervous system. I truly believe the hyperbaric chamber will be huge in my healing so I can be independent and more hands-on with my son."

As the family prepares for their next PCS to Colorado, the hyperbaric chamber's impact becomes even more significant, given the challenges of living at a higher altitude. It’s hard enough to breathe and function independently at sea level, let alone with the added complications of thinner air.

Shahrazad has spent years trying not to live in the past. She closes her eyes and reflects on that carefree young woman who could do so much so effortlessly. And her heart breaks for that girl who didn’t know what was waiting around the corner. 

“The hardest adjustment is waking up hoping that this illness was a bad dream and I’ll wake up healthy again,” she told us sadly. “It’s devastating emotionally. Also, not being able to drive. I miss my independence.”

But she also has learned that spending time in the past does nothing to improve her future. Instead, she’s set her eyes on the next day. Just one step at a time. Right now, that’s the hope of relief in the form of critical therapy. She can’t change the past, but her future is looking brighter.

To the donors of Chive Charities, Shahrazad extends her heartfelt gratitude. "Thank you so much! I am beyond grateful. Great things like this wouldn't happen without all the amazing donors. Bless you all!"

Looking ahead, Shahrazad is filled with cautious optimism. She dreams of small milestones, like driving again, taking daily walks, and simply having more energy to enjoy life with her family. Her message to others facing similar health challenges is one of hope and perseverance: "Things can get better, even when you think they cannot. Have faith that your blessing is coming."

Keep those eyes forward. One step at a time. 

To all those who were part of this life-changing grant, we can’t thank you enough. Your support of military families like Shahrazad’s means everything and every action counts. Whether you make a donation, comment on a story, or share it with friends and family, you’re doing something to make a difference in the lives of those who deserve it most. Today, you gave hope to a family going through another season of change. What could tomorrow bring? Let’s find out together. DONATE HERE.