Healing I've Been Fighting For

My sister Michelle is the strongest person I know. She has been on a recovery journey the last 4 years and then had some medical issues arise that halted her day to day life. She got married to Taylor the best brother in law I could ask for and he has been by her side every moment since they met. They just celebrated their 1 year anniversary and I have seen nothing but love and support from Taylor toward my sister. He is doing all he can along with our entire family. His support and the support of my family are monumental to me and I want to do whatever I can to help my sister get the surgery she needs. I asked her to tell her own story, In her own words and I thank you for taking the time to read this. Philippians 4:19 talks about God meeting all of our needs according to HIS riches. I believe that God will provide.

Here is what my sister wanted to share,

My brother asked me to write something for this, so here it is.

In 2019, I had my first surgery for endometriosis — a chronic disease where tissue similar to the uterine lining grows in places it doesn’t belong. During that surgery, doctors discovered endometriosis on my ureter and bowels, but they left it there. It was documented. It was known. And it was left.

Since then, I’ve spent years searching for answers while my symptoms grew worse. This year was the hardest yet — seven straight months of pain that never stopped. I couldn’t hinge or lift anything. I woke up in tears, unable to get myself out of bed. I even passed out from the pain. I went to appointment after appointment and was repeatedly dismissed, told to get a colonoscopy, and left feeling hopeless.

It wasn’t until I found a specialist this year — someone who truly understands endometriosis — that I finally felt seen. They read the surgical report from 2019 and immediately said what no one else had: “This needs to come out.”

That’s why I’m scheduled for excision surgery this December — the gold standard for treating endometriosis. This surgery will finally remove the disease from my ureter and bowels and give me the chance at a future not defined by chronic pain. Even though my symptoms have eased over the past month, endometriosis doesn’t just disappear. It continues to grow and silently damage vital organs if left untreated.

The total cost of this surgery, including the surgeon, hospital, anesthesia, and follow-up care, is $25,000. I don’t have insurance, and even when I did earlier this year, I still couldn’t get the help I needed. Specialized excision surgery is rarely covered, leaving patients like me to pay out of pocket.

I want you to know that I’m not just sitting back and waiting for help — I’m doing everything I can to contribute, too. I’m offering my photography services through my business, Untouched Imagery, because I believe the gifts we’re given are meant to be used — and this is how I can use mine. If you feel called to support by scheduling a session with me instead of (or in addition to) donating here, please know that will mean the world to me. Your support through my work helps fund this surgery just as much as a contribution here does. @sippin_n_snacks on instagram

This surgery is my chance to reclaim my life — to wake up without fear, to move without agony, and to live without this disease controlling everything. If you’re able to donate, no matter the amount, it brings me closer to that reality. And if you can’t donate, sharing my story or booking a session with me is just as meaningful.

Thank you for reading, for caring, and for helping me get the healing I’ve been fighting for.

— Michelle