Hello all, I have decided to make a GoFundMe for my spinal fusion.

In case you don't feel like reading all of this; I need help with surgery/medical bills. When I was six, doctors happened to find that I had S-curve scoliosis due to an abdominal X-ray I had. Following that, my curve was watched and slowly began to increase until I was about 14. After that, my curve progressed significantly very quickly. I now have what is considered severe scoliosis and am now a candidate for spinal fusion surgery. I cannot say for certain what I am getting fused until after my surgery, but as of now, it is L3-T8 which is not only a large amount of bones to have fused but also a major commitment. A spinal fusion involves putting rods and screws in my spine and fusing my vertebrae. Even so, I have great confidence in my doctors and I truly think this surgery will change my life. I have had pain for as long as I can really remember, and I am in constant pain. Scoliosis has given me arthritis in my spine but has also affected my muscles, organs, etc. To be clear, that is not at all to say I don’t enjoy my life; I do actually have a lot of fun! I am looking forward to being (hopefully) pain-free and living my life as fulfilling as possible. I am starting a GoFundMe because: this surgery is incredible but definitely not free. I have frequent blood tests, scans, and various other medical treatments, not only for this surgery but for additional health issues. Just to name one, part of my right jawbone is missing and this is obviously very expensive to treat (and not covered by insurance!). In terms of surgery bills, I cannot detail all of them for the sake of your time, but an MRI costs about $2,000, a post-surgical brace costs almost $1,000, and because my spine doctors are not directly in network, we have to pay in full up front for appointments, which is also hundreds of dollars. Obviously, the largest bill will be my surgery, which before insurance coverage is $425,000. Unfortunately, my medical bills are not the only thing affecting me financially; I have an apartment with a wonderful roommate that I will have to pay my half of the rent for however I cannot work for at least 4-6 weeks after my surgery. I had to quit my most recent job for my surgery as it involved frequent heavy lifting (50+lbs) and after my surgery, I will not be able to lift more than 15 lbs for a while which can make working most jobs difficult. I have consistently worked for the past 3 years, I genuinely enjoy having a job, and I want to get back to working as soon as possible. At the same time, I need to prioritize my recovery. All of this combined with other financial hardships (including the alternator in my car breaking) has left me in a difficult position. I do not want to ask for money, but at this point, it is getting pretty tough and people have been asking how they can help. All of your well wishes are just as meaningful, and I never expect a donation. I understand the economy is difficult and everybody needs money, especially in these dark times. With that said, if you have extra money that you can and want to donate, I do appreciate it; donations seriously help and mean a lot. I want to return the favor and am currently trying to figure out a way I can donate to a cause I am passionate about after my recovery. I appreciate the support in every way possible and those who have been keeping me in their thoughts. No matter the situations I face and the medical system puts me in, I am rich in love and hope, which is so much stronger than anything monetary. Thank you again