Hello friends, family, and anyone else that has taken the time to stop by.

First and foremost, I want to take a moment to thank everyone that has been sending well wishes and checking in on me. Your kind words and encouragement have kept me going during some very trying times

Many of you have been following my health journey over the years, but for those of you that are just tuning in, here's a brief synopsis:

Since June of 2023, I have been hospitalized 4 times for a severe rectal bleed. I have had to get iron infusions and blood transfusions because the blood loss had made me anemic. In February of 2024, I was diagnosed with Endometriosis and after removing some endometrial tissue, things were looking up.

About six months after that surgery, however, the bleeding started again. I had been referred to an endometriosis specialist who was going to explore my bowels to determine if the endometriosis was attacking that or any other organs. This surgery was scheduled for December of 2024.

11 days before surgery, I was hospitalized again and given two units of blood. Surgery was canceled due to the blood loss and as of January 2025, I have no longer been able to see this surgeon due to an insurance change outside of my control. I was referred to another endometriosis center, but their soonest appointment is not until December.

Friday, August 29th, I came into the ER because I knew I had hit my threshold and needed medical attention. I was given another blood transfusion and admitted for a colonoscopy the next day. This was probably the 6th colonoscopy I've had at the ripe old age of 33, but this time we finally got answers.

The doctor was able to locate the bleed and told me a colorectal surgeon should be able to fix it. He gave me the name of the surgeon and said I could go home the next day as this would normally be scheduled as an outpatient procedure.

The next morning, the hospitalist came to my room and advised that he reached out to the surgeon because with the amount of blood I was losing and the fact that I was still profusely bleeding, he was not comfortable sending me home knowing I would likely need another blood transfusion in a couple of days. He was able to convince the surgeon to add me to his schedule for the next day and by Monday at 7 AM, I was prepped and ready to go for surgery.

The surgery went well and the bleed was fixed, but unfortunately, the healing process has not gone as smoothly as they anticipated. Originally, they expected me to be able to go home the day of the surgery or the day after at the most. Since surgery, my white blood cells doubled, my blood pressure and heart rate have been very high, and the pain was nearly intolerable for the first 24 hours. It has now been 2 days since surgery and due to complications following the surgery, I am still here at the hospital and my care team has had to take a more aggressive approach with the healing process to get my pain and blood levels under control. So what was originally going to be a brief healing process will now have me out of commission for the next 4-6 weeks.

I have tried very hard to handle this financial burden myself, but I am in a predicament now where I have to rest and heal, so I am unable to work my day job or any side jobs that I would normally do for extra cash.

As much as I hate asking for financial help, I am here asking for assistance to cover this hospital bill so that the stress of this financial burden will not impede my healing process. With insurance, I will still be responsible for at lease $3,500 out of pocket. Any amount of help is extremely appreciated and not taken lightly. If you are unable to give, please know that I fully understand and your emotional support has been just as valuable.