Support My Recovery from Severe Infection & Multiple Surgeries

In mid-November, I began experiencing severe pain in my jaw. At first, I thought it was a dental issue, so I tried several procedures hoping to fix the problem. Unfortunately, the pain only continued to get worse.

By December 27th, things had escalated to the point that I was sent to the emergency room. I was admitted to the hospital, and just two days later, doctors had to perform two emergency procedures: a maxillofacial incision and drainage surgery, along with a burr hole procedure in my scalp to drain pus and clear out a serious infection.

After surgery, I spent 2½ days in the Medical Intensive Care Unit, fighting to recover. I was finally released on December 31st, but the recovery didn’t end there. It took several more days before I could even return to work on a limited, part-time basis.

Unfortunately, I still haven’t fully recovered.

My face remains swollen on the side of the surgery, and I still cannot feel my tongue, chin, or lip on that side. Knowing something wasn’t right, I followed up with a maxillofacial surgeon—but with no specialists in my network, I had no choice but to pay out of pocket just to get answers.

That visit led to a biopsy of a lesion in my lower jaw. After two long weeks of waiting, I received devastating news.

I was diagnosed with Osteomyelitis, a serious and potentially life-threatening bone infection. In addition, doctors found necrotic (dead) bone that now needs to be removed.

The next phase of treatment is intense. I will need to see an infectious disease specialist, have a PICC line placed in my arm, and undergo four weeks of IV antibiotics, followed by an additional two weeks of oral antibiotics.

And even with all of that, there is still uncertainty.

If the infection does not respond to treatment, I may require another major surgery, where part of my jaw would have to be removed.

Financially, this has become overwhelming. So far, I have already paid over $6,700 out of pocket, not including my hospital stay and surgeries—which totaled over $113,000.

Many of the upcoming treatments are also out of pocket, as providers do not accept financing options like CareCredit or Cherry.

This has been one of the most difficult experiences of my life—physically, emotionally, and financially. What started as simple jaw pain turned into a serious infection, emergency surgery, and an ongoing fight for my health.

If you are able to help in any way—whether through a donation or simply sharing this campaign—it would truly mean the world to me. Every bit of support helps me continue the treatment I need and gives me hope as I fight to fully recover.

Thank you for taking the time to read my story, and for any support you can give during this incredibly difficult time.

God bless.