Help Katie Overcome R-CPD with Life-Changing Surgery ☺️

Friends and family,

We are reaching out for your support in helping our daughter, Katie, undergo a life-changing medical procedure. Katie has a rare condition called Retrograde Cricopharyngeus Dysfunction (R-CPD), commonly known as the "No-Burp" disorder. This condition prevents her from being able to burp, causing painful bloating, extreme discomfort, nausea, digestive distress, and embarrassing "gurgling" on a daily basis. Imagine not being able to burp after you take a drink of soda, eat food, exercise, etc. It's horrible; she can't burp whatsoever - and that air has to go somewhere...

Insurance does not cover this procedure because they don't recognize it as an "actual condition". But Katie can tell you, she's "actually" miserable and "actually" in so much pain.

After much research (and years of waiting on insurance), we have found hope in Dr. Robert Bastian, the pioneer of a proven, highly effective treatment for R-CPD. He is also a renowned voice doctor, so the chances of this affecting Katie’s beautiful singing voice is minimal. His office is located in Chicago, and we are aiming to have Katie undergo the procedure during her spring or summer break, to prevent her from missing school. There aren't any physicians in our area who perform this type of procedure. I figure if we have to travel for this, it would be wise to go see the man who invented it.

While we are incredibly grateful that Katie’s airfare has already been covered, we are still in need of $5,250 to cover:

✅ The procedure itself ($4,181)

✅ Lodging for 5 days (due to post-op)

✅ Transportation (rental car/rideshare)

✅ Other travel expenses and/or after care

We are humbly asking for your generosity in making this all possible for Katie. Any donation, big or small, will help her finally experience immediate relief from this condition. If you cannot donate, we appreciate prayers and sharing this fundraiser with others who may be able to help. We are also using this experience to help raise awareness for those who may be experiencing this same anguish. We will be documenting her experience and giving updates along the way.

From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for supporting Katie on this journey. Your kindness and generosity mean the world to us!

With gratitude,

Chris, Christine, and Katie Gersic