Help fund Michelle's brain & spine surgery
Donation protected
If you know me, you know that I have a LOT of pride and do not frequently ask for help. But, I figured it can't hurt! This is my fourth major surgery in 3 years, so the medical bills have really caught up to me.
If you know me, you know that I have had significant health issues starting at around age 20. So far, since 2012, I have had one brain surgery (Chiari Decompression), and three spine surgeries. All of these were to help two main things:
1. Decrease the chronic pain I have been in.
2. Stop my legs from paralyzing.
Now, I have another surgery scheduled for June 3, 2020. My surgeon needs to take out the scar tissue in/around my skull that is blocking spinal fluid flow and fuse my skull to my neck because I have instability caused from my Ehlers Danlos Syndrome (EDS).
I need this surgery to help me live a fuller life. Chronic pain is exhausting and on some days, immobilizing. Not being able to walk very far or do "normal" activities is especially hard when you are still young. Especially when I dream of having kids someday.
My insurance is only covering 80% of the procedure. Which leaves me with a bill of $1700. Which may not seem like a lot, but for a social worker living in DC - it sure is! I need to come up with at least 50% by the day of the procedure or it will be cancelled. After that, I will be out of work and my short term disability money will not cover very much.
I appreciate any and all help. Even if it's just sharing this. I am so grateful for all the love, support, and prayers I have gotten so far. I couldn't do this without the support of my friends & family.
If you know me, you know that I have had significant health issues starting at around age 20. So far, since 2012, I have had one brain surgery (Chiari Decompression), and three spine surgeries. All of these were to help two main things:
1. Decrease the chronic pain I have been in.
2. Stop my legs from paralyzing.
Now, I have another surgery scheduled for June 3, 2020. My surgeon needs to take out the scar tissue in/around my skull that is blocking spinal fluid flow and fuse my skull to my neck because I have instability caused from my Ehlers Danlos Syndrome (EDS).
I need this surgery to help me live a fuller life. Chronic pain is exhausting and on some days, immobilizing. Not being able to walk very far or do "normal" activities is especially hard when you are still young. Especially when I dream of having kids someday.
My insurance is only covering 80% of the procedure. Which leaves me with a bill of $1700. Which may not seem like a lot, but for a social worker living in DC - it sure is! I need to come up with at least 50% by the day of the procedure or it will be cancelled. After that, I will be out of work and my short term disability money will not cover very much.
I appreciate any and all help. Even if it's just sharing this. I am so grateful for all the love, support, and prayers I have gotten so far. I couldn't do this without the support of my friends & family.
Organizer
Michelle Ivey
Organizer
Silver Spring, MD