Hello, my name is Angela and I am asking for help to bring my niece, Alissa, an end to her 11 year long suffering. Alissa, as everyone knows, is a kind, sweet, and compassionate person, who spends most of her time caring for and bringing joy to others. As a bartender and an ultrasound tech student, she is continuously spreading love and kindness to those around her. You almost wouldn’t believe that Alissa has been silently suffering with an incredibly painful condition called endometriosis. For the past 11 years, Alissa has endured paralyzing pain, nausea, and vomiting. The symptoms become so severe that they result in very frequent trips to the emergency room that ultimately end in little to no relief from the extraordinary pain she is in. The disease has also caused her to constantly battle anxiety, stress, insomnia, and depression.

Some call this an invisible disease, as the effects are not easily seen.  Endometriosis causes the lining of the uterus to grow outside of the uterus and into other parts of the abdomen such as the bowels and bladder. The abnormal growth causes extreme pain, nausea, vomiting, and can even cause infertility. There is no cure for endometriosis and there is a major lack of medical research on how to treat the symptoms. This extreme lack of knowledge across the healthcare system regarding endometriosis keeps doctors from correctly diagnosing and treating patients who suffer from this debilitating disease. 

For years Alissa has seen specialists, gynecologists, urologists, women’s health centers, and even endometriosis specialists. She has tried every kind of medication they can think of, from pain management, opioids, antidepressants, birth control, and surgery. It has reached a point that many doctors have told her that there’s nothing else that they can do. This disease has affected every aspect of Alissa’s life; work, school, social life, etc. All have been hindered by her suffering. She has a constant fear of not knowing when her body will be in paralyzing pain, which causes crippling anxiety with every responsibility that life entails.

Fortunately, Alissa has finally found a doctor in Manhattan, NY, that is an endometriosis specialist who has, on multiple occasions, successfully helped women suffering from this condition. Dr. Kanayama believes there is an underlying issue, and that he can find a solution to bring Alissa some relief. We believe she has finally found a doctor she can trust and who can help her. He has performed many successful endometriosis surgeries and has given many women the opportunity to live normal lives again. 

Dr. Kanayama is out of network for Alissa’s insurance, and she will have to pay 100% out of pocket for all visits, including the surgery. After careful consideration of all funds needed, she has come up with a sound financial estimate to cover the consultation, diagnostic testing, labs, office visits, surgery, flight, and room and board while in NY. 

We are reaching out to Alissa’s community to raise funds to help Alissa get this much needed surgery and allow her to finally live a normal life with comfort and peace of mind. Alissa is trying to go at this alone, but we know there is enough community support to help her out through this difficult and costly endeavor. 

With your help, we are hoping to find relief to this long road of pain and suffering Alissa has endured. Alissa hopes that her courage to fight for answers and advocate for her right to a healthy life will inspire others to do the same. Any way you can help is very much appreciated. No amount is too little. If you are unable to help financially, please share this post and help us spread awareness. Thank you so much for taking the time to read Alissa’s story and God bless.