Jordan Merimee's Surgery Fund

Asking for money is never easy. I'm always thankful for what I have, and consider the value of life to go beyond dollars and cents. The last few years have brought on one medical calamity after another in my life, as I'm sure many of you are aware. I had multiple organs removed in two emergency surgeries, and went through additional surgeries and operations for prolonged GI issues that ravaged my body and spirit. I lost a total of 30 pounds over the course of treatment. 

All of this has made me infinitely grateful for the mundane miracles in day-to-day life. I love all of my friends and family that have made each splendid day a triumph, and a move forward.

Now I have learned that I will need two additional surgeries, for unrelated medical conditions I have endured since I was a child. I am ferociously private and humble about my personal life, especially medical procedures, but in short my neurological condition that causes muscle and organ spasms has to be dealt with at this point, as it is becoming too severe. In addition, my jaw won't stop growing. I finally met with a surgeon recently who informed me I'll need reconstructive surgery to keep permanent dental damage from occurring.

I have medical insurance, and I work two jobs. I work very hard for all that I have, and would never ask for help financially for day-to-day living expenses. I make a meager salary, but I'm an artist and don't regret for a minute any of my career decisions. 

Unlike many other people though, I have no nest egg or financial back-up from my parents with which I can pay for the surgeries and medical costs. My father is incarcerated, and my mother gives every extra dime she has to myself and my brother, though she shouldn't. My parents love us more than words can express, but the money simply isn't there. The surgeries will still cost much more than I can afford.

So, if you're willing and able, I would love if you could donate even a small amount or share this page with those who can. Any money raised would be used for these medical procedures. I have received estimates from the physicians, but if I miraculously raise more money than the surgeries cost, I'll be donating any excess monies to the local children's hospital. And feel free just to say hi and show support - I'll make it through this, as we all do. It's just another step in the glorious uncertainty of being alive and soldiering through.

I wasn't going to start a fundraising page, but so many of my friends have insisted so I thought I'd try it out. If you want to see me give a speech/figure out what I'm all about, here's a nifty video from my graduation from USC. God bless.