Hi, my name is Ash, and I am hoping to raise some funds for a very much needed and urgent surgical gallbladder removal procedure which will hopefully take place this month.

2021 ended with a bang for me- amidst the tribulations of a pandemic and beginning a new career in scenic fabrication, I met the love of my life. She lived 3000 miles away, and so I began the long trek of moving westward to Los Angeles.

The week before Christmas finally arrived after months of selling my belongings and scraping together pennies to afford the drive across the country.

Four days before my departure, I found myself buckled over in some of the most incredible pain I’d ever felt. I had signed up for health insurance already, but it was not active until January 1st. I insisted my friend take me to an urgent care clinic, but was abruptly admitted to the ER at Mount Sinai. This is where I found out I suffer from chronic gallstone pain, and was having a 72-hour spasm attack from a clog in my bile duct. I would need surgery as soon as possible.

I spoke with my insurance company hoping they could cover part of this bill retroactively since it was within 30 days of being insured to no avail. I decided to change my diet, and hope for the best until I could figure out how I would cover the uninsured ER hospital stay first.

I started the move with my partner alongside of me as planned. We made it to Colorado when my car unexpectedly died on us through a mountain pass. Diagnostics for Rhonda the Rogue confirmed we needed a new transmission, transmission cooler, and subframe. Parts took 3 weeks to arrive and cost us 5,400 bucks. Without having accrued PTO at my new job, I lost a month of work. We ended up skipping on the subframe to afford the necessary repairs, and eventually, with some luck and a few generous donations from friends, made it to California unscathed.

I’ve been working full time again, and am beginning to get back on track. Things are finally falling slowly into place.

But the gallbladder attacks are relentless, and my deductible for my insurance is 6,000 bucks. I still have yet to contest the previous ER bills, and have to replace the hazardous rusted subframe in my car before it fully falls apart on me.

The truth is, I need help right now. I need this surgery so badly, and I can’t afford it, point blank. Medication, surgery and recovery costs will be astronomical, but I’m trying to stay silly and positive. If you have funds and are able to help a tiny queer human holding onto a lot of physical pain get surgery, please consider donating.

It’s never a great feeling to ask for help, and I would love to offer something in return if you are able to donate- I’m happy to do small portrait commission projects or send a clay piece your way for donations of $100+

Thank you for taking the time to read this, and I hope all y’all’s gallbladder stay healthy af

Love & Light,

Ash