After nearly 10 years of living with the effects of multiple concussions and a traumatic brain injury, Ashley Maricevic and her family are turning to the community for support as she prepares to pursue specialized treatment they hope could improve her quality of life.

 Maricevic’s journey began in 2016 after suffering a concussion during a volleyball game, according to the GoFundMe. At the time, she was told it was “just a concussion,” and there was an expectation that with rest, life would eventually return to normal.

But according to the GoFundMe, recovery never came the way  Maricevic and those around her expected.

The fundraiser states that after returning to activity without proper care,  Maricevic later experienced two additional concussions, leading to ongoing neurological challenges that continued to build over time.

What followed were years of symptoms that many people could not see.

Tasks that once felt routine became exhausting. Conversations became more difficult to follow. Headaches became constant. Memory issues developed, and restful sleep became increasingly difficult to achieve.

According to the GoFundMe, even on days that appeared better from the outside,  Maricevic continued battling dizziness, fatigue, anxiety and the ongoing feeling that her brain was no longer functioning the way it once had.

“One of the hardest parts of a traumatic brain injury is that from the outside, you can look completely fine while struggling every single day,” the fundraiser explains.

After years of searching for answers,  Maricevic was recently evaluated by specialists who confirmed she is living with persistent post-concussion syndrome, also known as mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI), according to the GoFundMe.

Doctors have now recommended advanced functional NeuroCognitive Imaging (fNCI), along with an intensive two-week EPIC Treatment Program designed specifically for individuals experiencing long-term brain injury symptoms.

The treatment is intended to identify and target affected areas of the brain and could potentially help improve memory, focus, emotional regulation, fatigue and day-to-day functioning.

For Maricevic and her family, the recommendation represents something they have been searching for over the last decade: hope. However, the financial burden remains significant.

The fundraiser states that the imaging and testing are expected to cost approximately $2,500, while the treatment program itself is estimated at roughly $24,700. Insurance does not cover the specialized care.

Maricevic’s family says the goal is simple: to help her regain energy, think more clearly and move closer to living without constant pain and exhaustion.

To help Maricevic with her medical costs, click here to donate.

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