Gwen's diaphragmatic hernia saga needs funding

Hi, my name is Gwen and I am asking for help with travel & out-of-pocket expenses to fix my diaphragmatic hernia, post-liver donation surgery. HELP!!! Why do I need help?

Last July I donated 60% of my liver to a stranger (who is now a friend). 3 months after I had emergency diaphragmatic hernia surgery (around Thanksgiving). My liver grew back to full size in an odd shape leaving a corridor for my large intestine to move around. Not a big issue, except it found a birth defect or weak spot in my diaphragm and pushed through to sit behind my lung. It was trapped and circulation was cut off so I had emergency surgery in northern Virginia.

After receiving the OK to get back to full workouts 4 months later, my regular liver scan found an anomaly: my colon was back through the same hole, but the hole was bigger so the colon is just sitting there. I feel like a ticking time bomb as it could get trapped or move farther at any time. I can feel everything I eat with lots of audible gurgling, neck and shoulder discomfort and headaches. I'm on a restricted diet and I can't lift anything over 10 lbs. 
My liver team suggested I meet the Thoracic Surgery team at UChicago Medical and it was decided the repair will be in the windy city with both teams sitting in on the surgery. This time they will open me up on the right side, along my ribcage, under my right arm. They will deflate my lung and repair the diaphragm from above by placing a Gortex patch on my diaphragm that should last me well into the afterlife. A new scar and a better plan.  So are you still wondering why I need help?

My new job has wonderful insurance and this surgery is actually in-network even in Chicago. However, it is a new plan so there is a full deductible to cover and I have to fly to Chicago 3 times total, cover transportation, lodging for me and mom, food, etc. It's hard to ask for help and it's even harder to ask for money, but I'm asking. For the 1st liver donation surgery, the recipient's insurance, grants from The National Living Donor Assistance Center, and support from friends & family meant I have not had to ask for extended help up to this point. But with this 3rd surgery in less than a year and the rising costs of travel (and everything else), it was suggested by those close to me to ask for help. If you have given already, please DO NOT GIVE AGAIN.  And please give in small amounts as I don't need much. I know that even if I don't reach the goal, I will be helped, I will be OK, I will thrive and everything will be covered. I know it. I also know there are so many more people in the world that have it much harder than I do so please consider giving to the NLDAC and American Transplant Association or Donate Life America.

Thank you and I love you all