Help Kathy Heal After Years of Struggle with Breast Implant Illness

My wife Kathy has been through more than anyone should ever have to endure. In 2018, before we welcomed our son into the world, Kathy made the brave decision to undergo a prophylactic double mastectomy after discovering she was BRCA2 positive and learning how deeply breast cancer runs in her family. Several family members on her paternal side have battled breast cancer, some more than once and some that lost their battle.

The surgery went as planned, and in 2019 she began reconstruction with implants — a step that was supposed to help her move forward and reclaim a sense of normalcy. Unfortunately, those implants were recalled later that same year, and that was just the beginning of a long, painful journey.

After years of complications and delays, we were finally able to replace the implants in 2024. But instead of helping, Kathy’s health has taken a rapid decline ever since. She’s been struggling with increasing fatigue, pain, inflammation, and other symptoms that have left her feeling worse each day. After much research, testing, and consultation, we now know she’s suffering from Breast Implant Illness (BII) — a serious and often overlooked condition linked to implant toxicity.

The only path to recovery is to remove the implants and the affected tissue through explant surgery. Sadly, while insurance covered the original mastectomy, reconstruction, and implant replacement, it does not cover the cost of explant surgery, even with the growing evidence that it can restore patients’ health.

The total cost — including the surgery, recovery, travel, and childcare for our son — is about $24,000. The surgery is $16.5k, $2k for travel, $2.5k for additional child care, $2k for pathology and and additional $2k for follow up medical costs. It’s more than we can manage on our own, but I know that every bit of help brings us closer to getting Kathy the care she needs and deserves

Kathy leaves on Friday November 14th and has her surgery is scheduled for November 16th 2025.

Kathy is an incredibly strong, loving, and giving person. She’s faced every challenge with grace and courage, but now she needs help to finally heal.

If you can contribute — in any amount — it will mean the world to us. And if you can’t give financially, sharing this page or simply sending good thoughts and prayers is equally appreciated.

Thank you for taking the time to read our story, and for helping Kathy take this next step toward recovery and health.

❤️ With gratitude,

Patrick & Kathy