Help Melissa Fight Lipedema and Regain My Health

Hi, my name is Melissa Perez-Noy, and I’m a 43-year-old mother of two amazing young boys and a dedicated teacher. Life has always been full of joy and challenges, but recently, I’ve faced a health struggle that has been slowly taking a toll on me both physically and emotionally. For most of my life, I’ve struggled with my weight, but it wasn’t until recently that I learned the root cause of much of my pain and frustration. I was diagnosed with Lipedema, a chronic and often painful condition that causes abnormal fat to build up in the legs, hips, mostly in the lower body, and sometimes arms, leading to pain, swelling, and mobility issues. This condition is not only painful, but it has severely impacted my mobility, self-esteem, and quality of life.

For years, I had tried everything—dieting, exercising, and even undergoing gastric bypass surgery. I lost 100 pounds, which was a huge accomplishment, but I soon realized that my lower body didn’t change at all. My legs and hips still carried the same weight and pain as before. I have been struggling with unexplained weight gain, swelling, and discomfort, all of which were dismissed by doctors as simply "being overweight." This led me to seek further help and answers, and after a long journey of searching and self-advocating, I was finally diagnosed with Lipedema. This condition is often misunderstood, and many doctors dismissed my concerns until I found a specialist who truly understood what I was going through.

I’m so relieved to say that I’ve finally found a specialist who can provide the care I need. I’m incredibly relieved to have found Dr. Bernard Salameh, a specialist who can offer the surgery I need to treat my Lipedema. However, the cost of this procedure is significant—$25,000 per session—and I need two sessions to make the full impact. In addition to the cost of the surgery, I’ll also need to cover the cost of travel, accommodation, and other expenses to make this possible. This is a huge financial burden, especially balancing work as a teacher and caring for my two young boys and having my youngest in speech therapy.

As a mom, I’m trying to balance caring for my two young boys and working as a teacher, and this has been an overwhelming challenge. I’m reaching out to you, my friends, family, and anyone who might be willing to help me fight this condition and regain my health and independence. This surgery could change my life, and with your support, I can get the treatment I need. Without it, the condition will worsen to the point where I will not be able to walk anymore.

Every donation, no matter how big or small, will bring me one step closer to a life free from the pain and limitations of Lipedema. I am deeply grateful for any help you can provide, and I will be forever thankful for your generosity.

Thank you for taking the time to read my story and for supporting me on this journey.

With love and gratitude,

Melissa