Help Melissa Heal from Endometriosis Pain

Hi, I’m Melissa — a makeup artist, wife, and dog mom from Fort Worth, Texas. I’ve spent my life helping others feel beautiful and confident, but right now, I’m learning how to extend that same care to myself.

After decades of unexplained pain, fatigue, and countless doctor visits, I was finally diagnosed with a nearly 10 cm endometrioma — a large, blood-filled cyst on my ovary that is indicative of severe endometriosis. Endometriosis is a complex and painful disease where tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside of it, sticking to organs and fusing them together. It’s ranked among the top ten most painful conditions in the world, yet is still chronically underfunded and misunderstood.

For years, I was dismissed, gaslit, and told my pain was “normal.” It took 2.5 years of advocating for myself — and a very serious trip to the emergency room — to finally find a surgeon who believes me and has the specialized training to help.

Because endometriosis can only be definitively diagnosed through surgery, this procedure will not only confirm the extent of the disease but also remove as much of it as possible.

In early January, I’ll undergo endometriosis excision surgery, a major and life-changing operation where the surgeon will:

✂️ Carefully remove the diseased tissue

Separate organs that have fused together

Remove the large endometrioma on my ovary

Remove uterine fibroids that are growing

There is no cure for endometriosis, but this surgery offers the best chance for relief, healing, and a future with less pain.

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Why I’m Asking for Help

I’ve always worked hard and rarely ask for help, but I know how much community matters — and how many people care about me and my well-being.

My surgeon is one of the very few endometriosis specialists in the entire state of Texas, and like most true specialists, she does not take insurance. Because I already pay quite a bit out-of-pocket for my insurance coverage, she has graciously agreed to accept a partial portion through insurance, but I am still responsible for a minimum of $6,000 out-of-pocket just to the surgeon, in addition to my $2,500 deductible.

Unfortunately, a good portion of my aftercare — including some medications, pelvic floor therapy, acupuncture, hormone treatment, and mental health support — is also not covered by my insurance. These services are a major part of my recovery and long-term healing, and they add up quickly.

Because I run my own business, if I’m not working, I’m not earning. I’ll need at least 4–6 weeks off work to recover, and up to a year to fully heal.

Your donations will help cover:

Surgical and hospital costs not covered by insurance

My $2,500 deductible

Pelvic floor therapy, acupuncture, hormone specialist, and mental health support,

Medications and aftercare essentials

Living expenses and meals during my recovery period

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What Healing Means to Me

We all have major milestones in our lives — for some, it’s a wedding, a baby, or a graduation.

For me, it’s this: a chance to finally live without daily pain.

This surgery isn’t just about my physical health; it’s about getting my life back. I want to wake up with energy, focus on my art, spend time with my husband and our dogs, and feel joy in my body again.

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How You Can Help

If you feel called to donate — thank you, truly. Every dollar, every share, and every word of encouragement makes a difference.

Your support means:

• Relief from years of debilitating pain

• Time and space to rest without financial fear

• A future where I can show up fully for my work, loved ones, and myself

I’m deeply grateful for anyone who takes the time to read, share, or contribute. Your kindness and belief in me mean more than you know.

With love and gratitude,

Melissa