Dear You,

My name is Maja and I am 47. Due to a series of complex, life changing circumstances I am here in this space, hoping you will hear me out.

A strong pancreatic attack sent me to a hospital last year.

Prior to that I enjoyed my active life, swimming , hiking with my dog and my partner, teaching English to children...

The nightmare started following what was supposed to be a routine laparoscopic gallbladder removal surgery. It was, to say the least, botched, to the extent that my life was hanging in the balance. The pain following the surgery was excruciating. I had to be transferred to a bigger hospital for life saving procedures, due to severe damage to my gallbladder wall and the bile filling up my abdomen. Through a blur, over the next few days, I was stabilized enough to have my second surgery. However, this one was not much less botched. It did not bring me near death, but due to the unpreparedness, lack of knowledge or care, the damage to my abdomen from that surgery, was as severe as it could get. There was zero thought given to my mobility and the overall quality of life following the surgery. Not only have my tissue and muscles been irreparably damaged, my abdominal wall covered in painful polyps, but as a "miracle", they managed to cut through my lymphs as well, leaving me pretty much immobile, and with a lifelong battle with newly diagnosed secondary abdominal lymphedema. When it comes to abdominal lymphedema, it is so rare that not enough has been done or researched about it, leaving my attempts at therapy counterproductive. Let's not even get into what this has been like on my emotions and my psyche . I took this situation, which could have crippled me, as my challenge. I owe it to myself to create the best chance to regain my life and mobility I can get. I'm not able to fly to Canada to deal with this situation, but was fortunate enough that I am a driving distance from a world renowned centre for this specific problem I am in. They are my best hope, my only hope, what keeps me hoping. They are a Foldiklinik in Germany. Their treatments have been proven the best in the world. I was not prepared for this financially. I have already extended myself on so many sides through this, and have felt an unfortunate punch of medical mistakes as it seems at every corner. Time is of the essence. The faster I start treating this properly, the better my chances are of getting mobility back as much as my condition allows. I need your help to give myself a chance to do this. To live... swim, laugh (as even that creates severe pain), walk...this clinic is my chance! Maybe my only chance, to save what can be saved. Please consider my situation and help if you can. It is hard writing this. As I am sure it has been for many before me. It is hard to ask for help sometimes. But, this is my LIFE. The one and only I have been given. And these are the circumstances, I am currently facing. If you are able, please be a part of my fight by helping me financially cover the overwhelming medical expenses. I appreciate your time.