Hello everyone I never ask for help, but your support can make a life-changing difference for me. Thank you for your kindness and generosity.

I want to share a bit of my story. Since birth, I’ve had 22 surgeries due to my Escobar syndrome, a birth defect, 21 of which were preformed before I was 16. My syndrome included a severe club foot, forcing me to walk on a non-functional right foot. Despite countless attempts to help me walk with corrective surgeries, I’ve never experienced a normal, pain-free life. As I’ve gotten older, my symptoms have only worsened, leaving me feeling like a 27-year-old trapped in a body that feels like 70. As a kid doctors were hesitant to amputate and were fighting to save the limb. Unfortunately the surgeries allowed me to walk but only worsened the deformity.

Fast forward to August, Dr. Juarez was the first surgeon who truly listened to my desperate need to feel “normal” and live my life. After many many months of seeking a solution and exploring all avenues, we soon realized it was time to let it go… It was the hardest decision I have ever made in my life. Dr. Juarez preformed my amputation on 8/13/24.

I know I have a long journey ahead of me, but my life has never been easy, and this time around there's a light at the end of the tunnel.

Now, I’m motivated to get back on my feet, but Medicaid has changed their guidelines and refuses to cover my prosthetic and other needs due to my age. I have spoken with Medicaid multiple times to try and reason with them but there is nothing they are willing to do. There's a lot of constant expenses that come with this recovery and I'm only getting started, but I'm excited to cross the finish line. The goal here is an estimate there’s no real way of knowing if there might be additional adjustments or gear that might be needed due to my unique size. I’m going to keep pushing and keep getting up and one day pay it forward.

Thank you for taking the time to read my story. Share this with a friend ❤️‍