In 2020, my jaw suddenly locked shut. I began seeing multiple specialists, and the answers I got were all over the place. Some attempted procedures, others said the pain was “all in my head,” and even the military medical system didn’t know how to help me. I was paying out of pocket for appointments and treatments, but the pain kept getting worse.

In 2022, I finally found a TMJ specialist who discovered a tumor in my jaw joint. He explained I needed complex reconstructive surgery: removing extra bone, moving my jaw forward, opening my airway, and properly placing prosthetic joints. I could not afford it at the time.

In 2023, the military removed the tumor and placed prosthetic joints, but did not correct the underlying structural issues. My jaw wasn’t fully advanced, the extra bone was still there, my airway remained narrow, and I still experience severe pain and difficulty eating, talking, and even breathing.

In 2025, I was diagnosed with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS) — a connective tissue disorder that makes my joints unstable and hypermobile, explaining why my jaw is so fragile and difficult to treat.

Now, in 2026, I am raising funds for the specialist corrective surgery that will finally address these issues and give me a chance at living more comfortably.

What the Surgery Includes & Why It’s Needed

Bilateral TMJ Total Joint Reconstruction (Replace damaged jaw joints with prosthetics to reduce pain and restore function)

Maxillary Osteotomies with Bone Graft )

(Correct underdeveloped upper jaw and improve bite, airway, and facial structure)

Abdominal Fat Graft to TMJs (Cushion new joints, reduce scarring, and support healing)

Removal of Previous Prosthetics (Clear out old hardware for safe reconstruction)

Nasal Surgery (Rhinoplasty/Plasty) (Improve airway and support jaw reconstruction outcomes)

Surgical Stabilizing Appliances (Hold jaw in proper position during bone healing)

Pre-Surgical Specialist Evaluation (Detailed planning for complex multi-procedure surgery)

CT Evaluation (3D mapping for precise prosthetic placement)

Cone Beam CT Scan (High-detail imaging to guide surgery safely)

Hospital Admission & Care (Part of inpatient care for recovery)

Estimated Total Cost: $81,540

These prices are not inflated — this is specialty care at top TMJ reconstructive centers. Complex jaw reconstruction, bone grafting, prosthetic joint placement, and airway correction are highly specialized procedures, and the quoted costs are standard for this level of care in the United States.

Because of the complexity and specialty of this surgery, insurance requires me to pay upfront before they will reimburse any portion, and not all costs are guaranteed to be reimbursed. That’s why I am raising funds.

How You Can Help

Anything helps: share my story, follow my journey, leave a supportive comment, or donate. Every bit brings me closer to the surgery that will finally allow me to eat, breathe, and live without constant pain.

Thank you for being here and for helping me reach this goal. My GoFundMe is linked above