Hi everyone! My name is Kirstin, and I am trying to raise $4,000 to cover part of a life-changing surgery that will cost over $20k. Unfortunately, my insurance completely excludes this procedure from coverage. BCBSLA refuses to cover any sort of orthognathic surgery unless it is a result of an accident and is a life or death situation.

If you know me, you know that in the past 2+ years, I have been in both orthodontic treatment and myofunctional therapy for my bite issues that have impacted my sleeping, eating, and speaking habits. Before starting treatment, I have paid more than $4,500 out of pocket for these treatments. Unfortunately, these will not fully fix the issue alone. My orthodontist said that I need this surgery.

The consultation with a surgeon from LSU OMFS suggested a triple jaw surgery, with a payment of $28.5k upfront. I have decided to get the most basic options available for just a double jaw surgery to help lower costs. They quoted me $15k-23k upfront, not including an additional $4,000 surgery center fee on the day of the surgery (and extra fees that you know doctors add on).

As we all know, teachers are woefully underpaid. I will be taking out a personal loan and using every extra cent I have to cover what I can upfront. With my orthodontic treatment coming to an end in a few months, and my work schedule being what it is, I have to schedule the surgery for late May/early June. The upfront payment will likely be due in March/April.

I am asking for help just covering the estimated surgery center fees of $4,000 so that I can focus on paying off the personal loan.

Obviously, times are insane right now, with crazy inflation and more people than ever living paycheck to paycheck. But I figure I have always had such amazing support from my community, that it wouldn't hurt to put this information out there for anyone with the ability to help me out, whether it's just sharing this GoFundMe, offering verbal support, etc.