Hi guys! I'm Stephanie! I'm a 35-year-old mother of 3 beautiful boys and a wife of 14 years! I was a little hesitant to create this GoFundMe because I didn't want a handout, but... I had my first knee surgery when I was 15, and my second when I was 25. I was told after my last knee surgery that I have the knee of a 90-year-old and honestly need a replacement, but I'm not old enough. I honestly thought my doctor was joking. I've had multiple injections, including cortisone and also the Uflexa (gel), and nothing helps! I was referred to UNC where I was told the same thing, and they wanted to do another surgery to "tide me over" until I made it to an age where a replacement was doable!

Fast forward, some of you know I struggled with my weight my entire life and chalked a lot of my knee pain up to me being overweight. 5 years ago, I had weight loss surgery and have lost right at 200 lbs, and my knee has gotten worse! I went for a 3rd opinion and had more scans and injections. I am completely bone on bone and full of arthritis. I have NO joint space. My doctor said it isn't ideal that he does a replacement on someone my age, but unfortunately, my knee will not make it until I'm 50+. I'm hoping to raise enough money to be able to pay what I owe the doctor and co-payment and to deal with a very unexpected car repair. Anything helps and is very much appreciated. I just want to be able to walk and work and especially play with my kids! At the moment, I can't squat or bend or work without my knee swelling and causing excruciating pain!