Get Meg On Her Feet ... part 2!

Hi! I'm Megan!

^^ that's me! ^^

I'm an Actor. Singer. Writer. Performer. Comedian. I love my art, I love my community, and I really really REALLY love my job.

In 2006, two months shy of graduation from a prestigious Musical Theatre program in London, UK, I was hit by a car that shattered my ankle.

(I don't recommend this).

I had 3 surgeries in 2 years; but despite the surgeons' best tries, I still developed Post-Traumatic Osteoarthritis. (That's the one where the joint grinds down from wear and tear - in my case, over 6 months).

And when the joint disappears, it means impossible pain (we're talking 10/10) when standing or moving.

Which is bad enough if you sit at a desk for work; but when you wiggle and dance for a living... it's REAL bad.

I'm 22, and my career is over before it has even begun.

Or so the 2006 doctors say.

So I decide to prove them wrong. I take the next 15 years to do everything I can to preserve the joint: I take supplements; I swim, bike, and yoga; I level up my nutrition; I change my mental health and mindset. And the pain reduces! I start auditioning, I get training my body and voice again ... and I start booking!

For the first time in my 17-year career, I'm working in my field, and my soul is the happiest it's ever been.

I'm doing what I was born to do.

But. I'm still. in. pain. No, I'm not crumpling from stepping on floating bone debris (yes this is a thing), but I can't get through a rehearsal day without popping Extra EXTRA Strength Advil like Pez and returning home to limp all night. And this is with:

In short, it's not sustainable.

Fast-forward to 2022. I meet Dr. Andrea Veljkovic at Footbridge Clinic. She's a foot and ankle orthopaedic wizardress who wins fancy awards and low-key went to Harvard. She LOVES my ankle and proposes a surgery that could seriously reduce the pain and make it possible to get back on stage ... maybe even stand for an entire rehearsal!

So, December 5, 2023, we go ahead with the surgery!

Which means, 3 months of non-weightbearing and staying at home. Which means, all of the ways this performer would usually generate income over the holidays (Christmas/holiday gigs, sweet sweet promos, catering, and more!). are now unavailable. So basic living expenses such as food, housing, and utilities - which total $3000-$4000/month - need to be paid for.

Not to mention the add-on post-surgical medical expenses:

So. How does your contribution help ol' Hop-a-long ?

You're investing in Megan's future so she can make art that heals.

I'm asking for $4500 CAD, which is about a month and a half of basic living and medical expenses, with a stretch goal of $9000, which will cover the full 3-month recovery period of living and medical expenses.

This cushion will ease financial stress and allow me to focus on healing, which will in turn mean that by the time my 12-week recovery is up in February, I can get right to creating bigger and better art.

I am so fortunate to live in a country where world-class health care comes free of charge, and deeply grateful to be part of a such a robust global community.

So to have the opportunity to be cared for by you, my global family -- is a real freakin' gift.

Thank you - for your consideration, and your support.

Now go be great people! (And look both ways when you cross the street).