We are starting this fundraiser for someone who means the world to all of us, Amy Jo Smith, a true fighter in every sense of the word. Amy is strong, hardworking, and deeply humble, and even while living with severe, relentless pain, she has continued to show up for life without ever asking for help. We are now asking for help on her behalf.
For seven years, Amy has been fighting a devastating and complex condition called ACNES (Anterior Cutaneous Nerve Entrapment Syndrome), where nerves in the abdominal wall become trapped and damaged, causing constant, debilitating pain. What began as nerve entrapment has now progressed into extensive scar tissue that continues to spread and affect surrounding nerves, making her daily life an ongoing battle.
Despite everything, Amy has endured seven major abdominal surgeries and traveled out of state repeatedly in search of relief, never giving up hope that she could reclaim her life from this condition.
This is not a condition that can be easily treated locally. It has required specialized care, multiple surgeries, and travel to out-of-state surgeons who are experienced in treating this rare and painful condition. To date, Amy has undergone seven abdominal surgeries in an effort to remove damaged nerves and reduce the impact of scar tissue.
The financial burden has been overwhelming. Because these procedures are highly specialized, they require repeated travel—flights, extended hotel or short-term rental stays, meals away from home, and follow-up appointments — that make it unsafe for Amy to return home immediately. In addition to travel costs, there are ongoing medical expenses, including copays, medications, post-surgical care, and necessary recovery supplies such as compression garments.
Despite having health insurance, Amy's out-of-pocket costs have exceeded $100,000, leading to significant financial strain and debt through consolidation of medical expenses.
What makes this even more remarkable is her determination. Amy continues to work five days a week, pushing through daily pain just to maintain her health insurance and keep up with basic living expenses. Most days are a struggle, and something as simple as getting through a full workday requires constant management of pain—often relying on ice packs to make it through eight hours away from home.
Amy has carried this burden quietly for far too long, doing everything she can to manage both her health and her responsibilities without asking for help. But the reality is, the physical and financial toll has reached a point where support is truly needed.
We are asking, on her behalf, for any help you may be able to give—whether that is through a donation, sharing this page, or simply keeping Amy in your thoughts and prayers. Every contribution will go directly toward ongoing medical care, travel for treatment, and relieving the financial stress that has come with years of fighting this condition.
Most importantly, we hope this allows Amy to focus on healing, rather than worrying about how to afford the next step in her care.
Thank you for taking the time to read her story and for any support you can offer. It truly means more than words can express.
If you cannot give, PLEASE PRAY.
WE BELIEVE IN THE POWER OF PRAYER.