Hi everyone, my name is Janelle Mata, and I’m 26 years old. Over the past two years, I’ve faced many challenging health struggles. While I prefer not to define myself by my diagnosis, I want to share a little bit of my journey. In June 2022, I was diagnosed with Ulcerative Colitis, an autoimmune disorder that causes inflammation and ulcers in the lining of the large intestine. This inflammation leads to various symptoms, including blood loss, weight loss, severe abdominal cramps, and more. Over the past year, I’ve undergone numerous blood and iron transfusions just to keep my body stable.

I've been hospitalized twice due to this condition, with my most recent hospitalization revealing that two-thirds of my colon is inflamed. The doctors have classified my condition as severe, and for now, I’m being treated with steroids and a biologic drug that I will need for the rest of my life. Unfortunately, the doctors are running out of treatment options. If my condition continues to progress at this rate, surgery to remove my entire colon may be the next step.

However, there is hope in a treatment called fecal microbiota transplant (FMT), which has shown success in many individuals with UC. This procedure is believed to significantly reduce inflammation, and my doctors are optimistic that it could make a major difference in my recovery. The only challenge is that this treatment is quite expensive—the transplant itself costs over $5,000.

Given my ongoing symptoms and the recent hospitalization, I’m humbly reaching out for help. I’m not one to typically ask for assistance, but since my condition is chronic and not curable, I truly believe that this transplant could help me regain some quality of life. Thank you for taking the time to read my story. I deeply appreciate all the support and love I’ve received from everyone. It means the world to me.

With love,

Janelle

“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” — Philippians 4:13