Ok, I get where you're coming from. I agree, then just an honest approach will be best. Throughout that whole time with my kids, I just presented everything very matter if factly to people.
Thanks, my kiddos love the bunkbeds too :)

Thank you May for your comment.
I mentioned asking others for a monetary donation as of a substitute for a birthday gift more than a regular financial support. That would be tacky. Personally I am a giver myself and I would love to help other members of my family/friends circle, if they asked for a contribution. So I wouldn't mind an honest approach. Sometimes we all need some extra help. That's life.
Our family is small. No grandparents, just few distant aunts, plus very sweet elderly neighbors who enjoy our company.
May... I love the awesome bunk bed!!!!!!!! :-)

I would ease them in and ask them to take this journey with you. I would just explain what your concerns are and tell them about the testing. I kept a blog during that time so that people could try to understand at their own pace what was going on.
Ask for the emotional support you need but don't be surprised when others don't understand. I wouldn't ask for financial support unless you have someone who is really "getting it" and has offered to help. Be careful because you don't want people to think you're trying to guilt them into you giving you money, especially if they just don't understand what's going on.
It's really unfortunate but I think most of us here have had the experience of people (even close friends and family) just not understanding. I hope that you have great people in your life and get great support but be prepared and try your best not to take it too personally if someone isn't supportive. If there are people who you have to just let go of, don't waste your energy on them.