In Support of Keilani Lime
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Hello, family and friends.
Looking back, it shouldn’t have been a surprise when the U.S. healthcare system failed us (again). After a long, hard fight to get Keilani on Social Security Disability Income (SSDI), we were discouraged to learn she’d no longer be able to see her primary care doctor and would lose dozens of other benefits and coverage she’d relied on previously. This is largely due to the shift from Medicaid to Medicare required for people receiving SSDI. We’d hoped never to be saddled with crippling medical debt again, yet here we are. So we’re reaching out for help.
Keilani pays thousands more for healthcare than her monthly SSDI stipend provides. Keilani continues to fight one life-altering medical challenge after another, and all the financial stress and insurance red tape that comes with them. But each new medical catastrophe (and just simply keeping her alive and well-ish on a day-to-day basis) often means another swipe of the credit card.
Since last you heard from us, Keilani has had another major surgery, a total hip replacement revision on her right leg last year. It went well, but has not been without challenges, including tearing the hip flexor in her “new hip.” (Ouch, right?) She also continues to struggle with the multitude of disorders related to her genetic condition, Classical Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, some of which are kept at bay with procedures in the OR every three to six months.
The most recent development is going to set us back even further. Unfortunately, Keilani has been diagnosed with Lyme disease (yes, Lime has Lyme). If that weren’t enough, she needs yet another major surgery this summer. She is suffering from multiple pelvic organ prolapses, also due to her connective tissue disorder. The only way to fix it is another major surgery, and two different specialist surgeons are needed. It may be one of the biggest surgeries she has had to face yet — right up there with the brain and spinal cord surgeries. Surgery will likely be sometime in July.
Keilani’s spirits… fluctuate, with finances her biggest stressor. She is fighting back against the system when she can, chairing the Vermont Democratic Party Disability Caucus. She even helped in introducing some policy-related bills this session that will impact her and many of the 150,000 disabled Vermonters directly.
It feels surreal to be right back to where we were before Keilani’s last crowdfunding campaign. But the flaws in our healthcare system make it too easy for people in our position to have things spiral out of control. We desperately wanted to avoid this, but like so many in Keilani’s situation, the options are limited. So we’re asking for your help, and let’s all hope this is the last time.
We can help support Keilani through this difficult period. She urgently needs our love and support, and there are several ways we can assist. Here’s how you can help:
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Updates
Keep up to date as needs change.
Aug 13, 2026
Ticked When I'm Down
Hi, friends. As of today, I am three weeks out from surgery. Howeve...
Jul 24, 2026
Under the (Robotic) Knife, Again
Hi, friends.Dan here with an update on Keilani's latest surgery. On...
Jun 14, 2026
Why is SSDI Failing Keilani?
Get on disability, they said. It will solve all of your financial p...
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- Created Apr 21, 2026
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- Health Decline
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Words of Support
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Hannah Meier 14 days ago • with donation
Trinka Kerr 16 days ago • with donation
Rev 16 days ago • with donation
Josie.leavitt 16 days ago • with donation
Chawna Cota 27 days ago • with donation
Betsy Drougen 28 days ago • with donation