Postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome does not exactly roll off the tongue, so most people refer to it as POTS. It’s characterized by a sudden change of blood pressure that happens when the person stands up. That sudden fluctuation can cause the person to faint.
This is a rare but not-so-rare disease because between one and three million Americans have been diagnosed with it. So with all of those people going back and forth to the doctor, I’d like to know why an effective treatment has not yet been created?
Last year, a 16-year-old girl in South Carolina, named Meredith Strickland, was offered a place in a facility that could provide her with comprehensive treatment over the course of two weeks. The catch? Her medical insurance wouldn’t pay for it. Fortunately, she had a very considerate friend who mentioned Meredith’s plight to his father–who happened to be a musician.
Bravo to Whiskey Prophets
Not only was Mike Faulkenberry’s band, Whiskey Prophets, on board to do a fundraiser, he also recruited six other bands! (And who says music can’t change the world?) None of the musicians accepted payment for their performances, although people were encouraged to donate.
All money went to Meredith’s medical fund, but she still hasn’t reached her goal. A GoFundMe account has been set up for her, so if you have an extra five dollar bill, why not help her out?
