URGENT: Gracie, our daughter, is scheduled for a life-changing surgery on April 28, and we must travel to the Philippines by April 23. The surgery must be paid for in full before treatment can begin. Gracie is a 17-year-old who has been battling Superior Mesenteric Artery Syndrome (SMAS), a rare condition that makes it impossible for her to eat normally, for four years. Because of this, Gracie has been in and out of hospitals for years, unable to live a typical teenage life. Simple daily activities that most of us take for granted have become overwhelming and painful for her. My daughter fights every day to do simple tasks and always has a smile on her face.

After exhausting treatment options in the United States, our family sought a second opinion from one of the few specialists in the world who treats this condition. This surgery is her only chance to regain her health and live a normal life. Due to the extreme cost of care in the U.S., this life-changing surgery must be performed in the Philippines, where the specialist also practices. This surgery is not optional. It is necessary for Gracie to eat, regain her strength, and reclaim her life.

In order to successfully get her to the Philippines without flaring up her other health conditions, we will need to fly business class so she is able to recline her seat and lay down on the long 20 hour flight. She also has chairi malformation and POTS which makes it hard for her to sit for long periods of time.

Gracie, my daughter, and our family cannot do this alone. We are asking for help to raise funds so Gracie can receive this surgery and finally begin healing. Any amount helps, whether it’s a donation, sharing this message, or sending words of encouragement. This is a chance to help a young girl get her life back. Thank you for taking the time to read Gracie’s story and for supporting her journey toward healing.

The total cost for her medical care is $26,500, which includes:

• Surgery and hospital care

• Surgeon, anesthesia, and medical supplies

• Medications and laboratory needs

• Post-surgery recovery housing

• Transportation related to her care

Airfare from Kansas City to the Philippines flying business class from San Francisco to Manila, Philippines is roughly about $11,000-$12,000.

I will also have to be with her for the full time we are out of the country, which means that I will be taking off of work and will be losing income for 5-6 weeks while I am off in order to take care of her and allow her to fully recover.