Hi, I’m Jamie-Lee.

I was born with a cleft lip, a visible facial deformity that shaped not only my childhood but the way I’ve moved through the world ever since. My first surgery was at just 5 months old. From age 7, I began intensive dental and orthodontic treatment, which I still maintain to this day. At 19, I underwent a second major surgery meant to reconstruct my nose and bring closure to this chapter. Instead, it created new complications and left old wounds unhealed.

What Went Wrong

Five years after that second surgery, I found something no one had noticed: a surgical stitch left behind inside my nostril, which I removed myself. When I brought it up, the original surgeon barely acknowledged it. Around the same time, I also underwent a lip revision that became a traumatic experience. The local anaesthesia failed. I felt the first incision completely, fully awake, until the anaesthetic was injected into the open wound. The physical pain was unbearable, but the psychological toll has lingered far longer.

For years, I’ve also lived with a deviated septum, a collapsed nasal structure, and daily breathing difficulties. These symptoms were made worse by the fear of seeking help again.

The Hidden Cost of “Looking Fine”

People often tell me I look great, or that they can’t see what’s wrong. But what you can’t see are the mental gymnastics I go through each day:

The way I pose in photos to hide what I see as imbalances

The shame that creeps in when I catch my reflection

The tightness in my chest from poor airflow, and from holding my breath emotionally

The years I spent doubting myself, believing my pain was “too minor” to matter

Why I’m Doing This Now

Over the last few years, I’ve been healing from Complex PTSD stemming from other traumatic experiences, including an emotionally and financially abusive relationship. While my PTSD isn’t related to my cleft journey, the emotional recovery helped me face something I had long buried.

I’ve never truly felt worthy of taking up space, of asking for help, or of being whole.

It’s only now, after years of therapy and rebuilding my life, that I finally feel strong enough to say: I deserve this.

A Surgeon Who Finally Sees Me

Earlier this year, I met Dr. Farris at The Face Institute, one of Europe’s leading facial reconstructive specialists. After reviewing my case, he told me, “If it were my daughter, I would tell her to revise the previous surgery. It greatly impacts your daily life.”

For the first time in a long time, I felt seen. Not as a number or a difficult case, but as a person worthy of proper care.

Dr. Farris has offered to perform a revision surgery that includes:

Septoplasty to correct my deviated septum and restore airflow

Reconstruction using rib cartilage graft to rebuild the collapsed nasal structure

Tip refinement, not for perfection, but for symmetry, function, and peace

When he shared the before-and-after morph images with me, it felt like magic. Without ever seeing or meeting my mother, he gave me a nose that looked just like hers. Something I never thought I’d have. It wasn’t just about aesthetics. It was about finally seeing myself reflected in someone I love, in a way I’ve always longed for.

The Financial Reality

Despite the clear medical and psychological need, this surgery is not covered by my Dutch health insurance. The Face Institute is not a contracted provider.

The total cost is confirmed at €12,000. This includes all medical care, anaesthesia, cartilage harvesting, post-op follow-up, and recovery support. I’m willing to contribute what I can from my own savings, but I cannot carry the full amount alone.

What My Parents Have Already Given

Both of my parents have supported me for over 30 years. Financially. Emotionally. Medically. They’ve carried me through surgeries, trauma, and healing. But this time, I want to carry this step myself, with the help of my broader community.

They’ve done more than enough. I want them to rest now.

How You Can Help

If you’re in a position to contribute, whether it’s €10, €100, or simply by sharing this with someone else, I would be deeply, sincerely grateful.

Your support will help me:

Finally breathe freely again

Heal from decades of unresolved trauma

Close this chapter of pain and step into the next one with pride, peace, and power

Thank you for seeing me. Not just the person I’ve learned to present, but the full story behind her.

With love,

Jamie-Lee