Hi everyone,

My name is Taylor, and I’m a special education autism teacher with Loudoun County Public Schools in Virginia. Every day, I work with young children who need patience, support, structure, and care. I love what I do, and I have dedicated my career to helping students grow and succeed.

Now, I’m the one asking for help.

Over the past year, my health has continued to decline due to serious medical conditions connected to obesity. This is not about appearance or cosmetic goals. Multiple doctors have medically recommended bariatric surgery because my condition has become increasingly severe and has started impacting my mobility, daily functioning, and long-term health.

At one point, my condition became so serious that I temporarily lost the ability to walk or move my legs for nearly 15 hours. It was one of the most terrifying experiences of my life.

I followed every step my insurance and medical providers required. I completed nutrition classes, psychological evaluations, medical clearances, specialist appointments, and months of preparation through the bariatric surgery program at INOVA. My healthcare team invested extensive time and resources into helping me meet every requirement for prior authorization review.

Despite all of this, my employer-sponsored health plan excludes coverage for bariatric surgery and weight loss treatment options entirely — even when medically necessary.

For months, I have exhausted every avenue I could think of:

* Appeals and exception requests

* Communication with HR and insurance representatives

* Advocacy efforts

* Speaking publicly about healthcare access

* Exploring legal and regulatory guidance

* Trying to find alternative insurance options

I never imagined I would be in a position where I would have to ask others for help just to access medically necessary healthcare.

I am currently trying to raise 22,000 worth of funds to help cover:

* Bariatric surgery costs

* Hospital and surgical fees

* Required pre-operative testing and appointments

* Post-operative care and follow-up treatment

* Related medical expenses

As a teacher, I do not have the financial ability to pay these costs on my own. I’ve even begun exploring taking on a second job solely to try to obtain different insurance coverage, but the process could take months that I may not have and I would have to work an extra 25-30 hours on top of 40 hours full time.

This journey has been physically exhausting, emotionally overwhelming, and honestly heartbreaking at times. But I am still fighting because I want a chance to improve my health, protect my future, and continue doing the work I love with my students.

If you are able to donate, share, or simply support this page, it would mean more to me than I can put into words.

Thank you for taking the time to read my story and for helping me continue this fight.

— Taylor