My name is Matthew. I'm a 46-year-old male and I'm about to have a pretty significant surgery. I have a colovesical fistula. For those who do not know what that is, let me explain. I have what many have, which is diverticulosis. This disease, when it becomes infected, causes what is referred to as diverticulitis. This is a really painful infection inside of your colon. It also causes really bad inflammation in your colon. Through all of this, my colon has become severely inflamed and has caused a connection between my colon and my bladder. There is now a hole or "tunnel" between the two organs. Recently, through an E.R. visit and hospitalization, we have discovered this issue. The only way to fix this hole is with surgery. The surgeon has told me that this is a high-risk surgery. This is also not an optional surgery. If i do not have this surgery my life expectancy is not good. Right now I am waiting for a surgery date which should be within the next couple of weeks.

With that being said, I am a self-employed contractor and do not have any insurance. I've tried to get insurance since this all started, but there is no open enrollment until the first of the year. I can't go with a medical sharing program because they have a pre-existing clause. My wife, Donyell, does work a full-time job, but it is not enough to pay our monthly bills, and the medical bills are already over $10,000 from the ER visit, hospital stay, and other testing I had to have done. I am expected to be in the hospital for up to 2 weeks after the surgery. I will be out of work for at least 2 to 3 months after the surgery. Right now, it looks like I am going to be owing around $100,000 in medical bills, possibly more. I never ask for help; I'm kinda stubborn. I'm normally the one that helps others to the best of my ability. Unfortunately, we have found ourselves in a predicament and I'm finally breaking down and asking for help! Beyond asking for financial help, I'm also asking for PRAYERS! I'm doing my best to put my faith in GOD that he will let the surgery and recovery go well. We have a long road ahead of us. From the bottom of my heart, I want to thank each of you for your support and continued prayers.