I've been personally devastated by Disseminated Coccidioidomycosis, a rare and debilitating infection that's severely impacted my health. Despite the profound pain and daily struggles this disease brings, my Social Security claims were denied. I am not alone in this battle—numerous others suffering from this condition have faced similar rejections.

Disseminated Coccidioidomycosis, often known as Valley Fever, can spread beyond the lungs to other parts of the body, causing severe illness and even death. It plagues patients with symptoms ranging from chronic fatigue, painful lesions, to debilitating joint pain. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), although about 60% of affected people have milder forms, those who develop disseminated disease face serious health challenges and require intensive medical treatment. It's essential for Social Security to recognize the severity of this condition.

We urge the inclusion of Disseminated Coccidioidomycosis in the Compassionate Allowances (CAL) program. This addition will ensure faster access to vital benefits, helping those of us who are struggling to make ends meet while managing the debilitating impacts of the disease.

There's precedence for change: the CAL program has expanded over time to include diseases that significantly impair individuals' ability to work and live normal lives. Coccidioidomycosis fits this category, as its impact is life-altering and its patients require substantial, ongoing medical care.

Please, help bring about this crucial change. Support us by signing this petition, for every signature brings us closer to official recognition and much-needed support for those like me suffering from this dreadful disease. Together, we can urge Social Security to reconsider and provide the aid so desperately needed.