Help Abby Reclaim Her Future: A Plea for Support

Dear Friends, Family, and Kind-Hearted Strangers,

We are reaching out with a hopeful but urgent plea to help our incredible 17-year-old daughter, Abby. Abby has been bravely battling lipedema, a painful and debilitating condition that has significantly impacted her mobility and quality of life. This inherited condition has caused her immense suffering, limiting her ability to stand for more than 10 minutes and making even short walks a challenge. Her dreams of becoming a chef and attending college are now on hold as she faces the harsh reality of starting adulthood on disability.

Abby’s condition has escalated to the point where Canadian doctors have referred her to Germany for critical surgery. The specialist there is renowned for their expertise in lipedema reduction, and we are hopeful that this treatment will restore Abby’s mobility and allow her to live a life free from constant pain. Unfortunately, none of the surgery costs are covered by the Manitoba government, and our family is struggling to cover the expenses.

As many of you know, Abby’s mother, Emma, also suffers from advanced lipedema and has undergone more than seven surgeries to improve her own quality of life. The financial strain of Emma’s treatments has been enormous, and now, as Emma and Scott strive to provide Abby with the care she desperately needs, the burden has become almost overwhelming.

We are calling upon our community to help us make this life-changing treatment possible for Abby. Each of Abby’s three necessary surgeries in Germany will cost $25,000, including travel expenses and the need for a parent to accompany and care for her post-surgery. This is a total of $75,000 that we need to raise to ensure Abby receives the full course of treatment she needs.

Abby is a bright, beautiful young woman with a heart full of dreams. Her friends and family adore her, and we all wish to see her thrive and achieve her goals without the constant battle against pain. With your support, Abby can have the chance to live a life that’s not dictated by her condition but shaped by her passions and dreams.

Please consider contributing to Abby’s GoFundMe campaign. Your generous support will not only help cover the costs of her surgeries but will also bring hope to a young woman who deserves a future filled with possibility rather than suffering.

Every donation, no matter how small, will make a tremendous difference. We also ask that you share this campaign with your networks to help us reach as many people as possible. Together, we can give Abby the chance to reclaim her life and move forward with the hope and vitality she so richly deserves.

From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for your compassion, support, and generosity.

With hope and gratitude,

Emma, Scott, and Abby

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What is lipedema?

Lipedema is a chronic medical condition that forms a symmetrical buildup of adipose tissue (fat) in the legs, arms, and lower trunk. It often causes pain, swelling, heaviness, loose skin, easy bruising, and the feeling of nodules under the skin. These nodules often feel like rice, pearls, or walnuts under the skin.

Who does it affect?

Lipedema affects almost exclusively individuals assigned female at birth (AFAB). Lipedema bodies come in various shapes and sizes. Lipedema can cause pain and disablement at any size.

How Common is Lipedema?

Estimates suggest that up to 11% of females worldwide may have the condition. While the exact cause is unknown, genetics is believed to play a role, as it often runs in families.

When Does it Develop?

Typically around puberty, but it can also develop or become more pronounced during other hormonal changes, such as pregnancy or menopause. Hormonal birth control may also be a trigger for the onset of lipedema symptoms.

Is Lipedema Painful?

Lipedema fat is often painful. People with lipedema report pain with massage, children or pets walking across their laps, or having their blood pressure taken.

Can it Impair Mobility?

Lipedema can lead to mobility issues as it progresses. As with most conditions, the intensity of symptoms varies from person to person, mild in some, and severe in others.

learn more about lipedema at Lipedema Canada

information sourced from www.lipedemacanada.org