As some of you may know, I've struggled with chronic pain, inflammation, and dangerously heavy bleeding since I was 15 years old. I've spent the past 20+ years advocating for my health with no concrete answers or treatment options. I was finally taken seriously this past August when I had a laparoscopy and hysteroscopy. Through this surgery, I was diagnosed with endometriosis. "Endometriosis is a painful condition in which tissue that is similar to the inner lining of the uterus grows outside the uterus. It often affects the ovaries, fallopian tubes, and the tissue lining the pelvis." (Mayo Clinic)

After no post-op care or follow up, I continued to advocate and finally found a specialist who can provide ongoing support and treatment. This specialist has diagnosed me with two additional diseases: adenomyosis and interstitial cystitis/painful bladder syndrome.

I will be undergoing another laparoscopy to remove the endometriosis and at the same time will have a partial hysterectomy, where they will remove my uterus but leave my ovaries so that I don't go into medically induced menopause.

Unfortunately, there is a $2,000 upfront fee to book this surgery and cover the cost of the specialist surgeon; the rest (hospital fees, etc.) will be billed to my insurance as "in-network." To schedule this surgery, I need to pay $2000 upfront, which I simply don't have.

The earliest surgery date would be February 23rd. I would love to raise the funds within the next month to book the earliest date possible. The timing is for the hope of being pain-free, sooner than later, and because, as a full-time farm manager, it would be much more disruptive in my life to do this in the spring and/or summer during farming season. After 20 years, I'm ready to have some relief!

Asking for financial support is really uncomfortable and I’ve had to do it more than once over the past few years. But if we don’t have each other, what else do we have? I've been financially devastated after both a divorce and a year of unemployment due to layoffs. I know so many who are struggling financially right now. Mutual aid is what will keep us going as a community.

I appreciate all of you. It's wild to have answers after 20 years of pain and medical gaslighting, but I'm feeling hopeful for some resolve and relief!