UPDATE- I have been adding offline donations to this as well to keep the amount accurate. My family is able to lend me $15000 towards the surgery so I have added this. I am getting close to the minimum amount I need to book the surgery which is approximately $29000cdn with the conversion rate. Once I have raised this amount, I can book my flights and send the required deposit. I still need to come up with extra outside of this, but I am going to go ahead with booking everything as soon as I hit this amount.

THANK YOU SO MUCH TO EVERYONE WHO HAS DONATED AND HELPED ME GET CLOSER TO MY GOAL!❤️

Hi, my name is Kristen, and I’m fundraising for urgent surgery overseas.

I was recently diagnosed with several rare vascular compression syndromes after years of misdiagnosis’s and progressing symptoms, including Superior Mesenteric Artery Syndrome (SMAS), May-Thurner Syndrome, and Nutcracker Syndrome. These conditions severely restrict blood flow to my digestive organs and block part of my duodenum, causing constant pain, extreme weight loss, and severe malnutrition. Despite trying every medical option available in Canada, I’ve been unable to access the life-saving surgery I need in a reasonable timeframe. Currently in Canada, there is only one surgical option that does not fix the compression and has an 80% failure rate. My doctor has been unable to find a surgeon even willing to treat SMAS as all claim it is too difficult to deal with and it is an extremely rare disorder. I have went from 161lbs, down to 100lbs, with severe gastro symptoms daily and constant pain, nausea and vomiting. I receive infusions for my iron, frequent b12 injections and high doses of vitamin d to try and keep my levels up as my malabsorption is so severe causing anemia. The SMAS causes food and acid to backup into my stomach, which has caused bad, long term gastritis. My body has been in ketosis long term as I am starving despite still maintaining adequate calories, I have muscle wasting, and severe fatigue along with many secondary complications from the SMAS. This has completely taken away my quality of life, and I am now suffering without any help in Canada for this condition.

SMAS can be fatal when left untreated. After extensive research and consultation, I have made plans to be treated by Dr. Alvear in the Philippines, who specializes in treating Superior Mesenteric Artery Syndrome. The surgery and recovery plan he offers provide the best chance for me to regain my health, nutrition, and quality of life. The procedure I am having done is known as the Alvear procedure. Unlike older surgeries that create a bypass and often fail long term, this procedure fixes the root cause by repositioning and freeing the duodenum (the first part of the small intestine) from the artery compression. The intestine is then moved to a healthier position on the right side of the abdomen to prevent future twisting or obstruction. The result is a restored normal digestive pathway, allowing patients to absorb nutrients and eat again without pain or fear.

The total cost, including surgery, hospital stay, post-operative care, and six weeks of accommodation, is approximately $50,000cdn. Unfortunately, none of this is covered by insurance or the public healthcare system. I unfortunately was let go at my previous place of employment, and had to go back to school to pursue a new career and have only been employed now for a few months. I am still recovering financially paying back my tuition and debt from when I was unemployed so I am not in the best place financially, and the window for the surgery is approaching quickly. I just found out dates today, and I would be having the procedure done between November 29 and December 19, and will be required to stay in the Philippines for a minimum of 5 weeks for recovery and to be monitored for complications.

Your donations will directly help cover:

• Surgical costs and hospital fees

• Travel and accommodations during recovery

• Post-operative care and medications

Any amount helps more than you can imagine. Sharing my story also helps immensely. I’m incredibly grateful for every bit of support and kindness as I fight to get my health — and my life — back.

Thank you so much for taking the time to read and support my journey. ❤️