My name is Dana, and I’m reaching out because I’m facing a medical journey that has turned my life upside down. I have ulcerative colitis and, after years of struggle, I underwent a complete colectomy and ileostomy surgery in February 2025. Since then, my path to recovery has been anything but straightforward. I’ve endured over a year of complications, including a rare and painful condition called Pyoderma Gangrenosum. I’ve been hospitalized six times since my operation, and my case is so rare that even my team of GI doctors, wound care specialists, surgeons, and primary care providers have struggled to find answers.

Right now, I’m searching for a rheumatologist or dermatologist who specializes in rare skin disorders, because no one locally has been able to treat my condition. I’ve been under constant care for the risk of C. diff and sepsis due to an open wound around my ileostomy stoma. The medical bills have piled up, and on top of that, I haven’t been able to work. The daily costs of living have become overwhelming for my husband and me.

At this point, we need to travel out of state to a Mayo Clinic in hopes of finding a specialist who can help me finally get the care I need. I never imagined I’d be in a position to ask for help, especially when times are tough for so many. But any support—no matter how small—will help me get to the right doctors, cover my medical bills, and hopefully give me a chance at a life outside of a hospital bed. Love and blessings to anyone who can help in any way.