Katie Joy Ussery
Donation protected
Katie has suffered with endometriosis for several years, and has tackled previous surgeries with grace and faith. Katie is facing yet another tremendous leap of faith in undergoing surgery once again to fight her disease. Katie has stage IV endometriosis that is now in her thoracic cavity (ribs and possibly lungs and pericardium).
This advanced stage of endometriosis is now blocking her digestive tract, and impacting her kidneys/ureters. Katie also suffers from Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS) which is a condition where collagen in her joints allows her bones to slip out of place very easily. This happens often in her shoulders blades, spine, ribs, wrists, ankles, fingers, and toes. She currently has 6 slipped discs and two ribs that are out of place.
Despite the road ahead to battle her health issues, Katie has some incredible events coming up in her life in the next several months! God is so good! Katie is getting married to the love of her life, AJ Highsmith, on March 27th! Katie and AJ will be making their first home together as man and wife and then will begin their journey to Texas for Katie's first surgery.
Katie and AJ will be traveling to Denton, TX on April 21st where Katie will be having surgery with a world renowned surgeons, Dr. Dulemba and Dr. Cai. She will meet with Dr. Delumbe and Dr. Cai on April 22nd for her pre-op appointment. April 23rd, Katie will undergo pelvic, abdominal and thoracic excision of endometriosis with a 2 or 3 night hospital stay. On April 26th, she will have a post/pre op appointment with Dr. Dulemba for her second look surgery. On April 27th, Katie will undergo a second look surgery to remove adhesions from the first surgery, and an application of Aminofix barrier will be applied to prevent adhesions. This is an important step to help prevent tissue from sticking and internal scarring from surgery. This will also entail a 1 or 2 day hospital stay. Finally, on May 1st, Katie and AJ will fly home!
In August, Katie will also be having a hip surgery to repair damage and tears in her hip area that has been very painful.
How can you help?
* Financial Support - No donation is too small or too big! The amount of medical bills that will be incurred over the next several months is tremendous. This is a financial burden that most people don't often face, yet alone as a newlywed couple. Thank you in advance for your financial support.
*Meal Train - There is also the option to provide a meal to this lovely couple. Please click the meal train link to sign up.
*Prayers - Please pray for Katie as she undergoes this journey. Please pray for strength, healing, and faith that despite the obstacles ahead, will be with her each step of the way.
Please pray for AJ. As a new husband supporting his new bride, may he walk beside her each step with the love and grace of Jesus. Katie has shared with me how much of an incredible support AJ has been from day one of meeting. Grant him continued strength to support his wife.
Please pray that God will bless their marriage as they go through a huge life event together. Pray for safe travels. Above all else please pray for healing. Pain relief and a higher quality of life for Katie. Katie is a tremendous woman who has educated numerous women on endometriosis, proper care, patient advocacy, and so much more!
Thank you all for taking the time to read this message, and for your support and love.
This advanced stage of endometriosis is now blocking her digestive tract, and impacting her kidneys/ureters. Katie also suffers from Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS) which is a condition where collagen in her joints allows her bones to slip out of place very easily. This happens often in her shoulders blades, spine, ribs, wrists, ankles, fingers, and toes. She currently has 6 slipped discs and two ribs that are out of place.
Despite the road ahead to battle her health issues, Katie has some incredible events coming up in her life in the next several months! God is so good! Katie is getting married to the love of her life, AJ Highsmith, on March 27th! Katie and AJ will be making their first home together as man and wife and then will begin their journey to Texas for Katie's first surgery.
Katie and AJ will be traveling to Denton, TX on April 21st where Katie will be having surgery with a world renowned surgeons, Dr. Dulemba and Dr. Cai. She will meet with Dr. Delumbe and Dr. Cai on April 22nd for her pre-op appointment. April 23rd, Katie will undergo pelvic, abdominal and thoracic excision of endometriosis with a 2 or 3 night hospital stay. On April 26th, she will have a post/pre op appointment with Dr. Dulemba for her second look surgery. On April 27th, Katie will undergo a second look surgery to remove adhesions from the first surgery, and an application of Aminofix barrier will be applied to prevent adhesions. This is an important step to help prevent tissue from sticking and internal scarring from surgery. This will also entail a 1 or 2 day hospital stay. Finally, on May 1st, Katie and AJ will fly home!
In August, Katie will also be having a hip surgery to repair damage and tears in her hip area that has been very painful.
How can you help?
* Financial Support - No donation is too small or too big! The amount of medical bills that will be incurred over the next several months is tremendous. This is a financial burden that most people don't often face, yet alone as a newlywed couple. Thank you in advance for your financial support.
*Meal Train - There is also the option to provide a meal to this lovely couple. Please click the meal train link to sign up.
*Prayers - Please pray for Katie as she undergoes this journey. Please pray for strength, healing, and faith that despite the obstacles ahead, will be with her each step of the way.
Please pray for AJ. As a new husband supporting his new bride, may he walk beside her each step with the love and grace of Jesus. Katie has shared with me how much of an incredible support AJ has been from day one of meeting. Grant him continued strength to support his wife.
Please pray that God will bless their marriage as they go through a huge life event together. Pray for safe travels. Above all else please pray for healing. Pain relief and a higher quality of life for Katie. Katie is a tremendous woman who has educated numerous women on endometriosis, proper care, patient advocacy, and so much more!
Thank you all for taking the time to read this message, and for your support and love.
Organizer and beneficiary
Amanda Howe
Organizer
Des Moines, IA
Katie Highsmith
Beneficiary