Help Monica Get the Surgery She Desperately Needs

UPDATE 12/25/24

Thank you everyone for all of your generous support so far. I was able to get my surgery scheduled for February 19th! The surgery will be held in Germany which is exciting but also daunting with the task of finding and paying for flights, trains, food and places to stay during my recovery process. I once again thank you for your donations and spreading the news, and I once again ask for your continued assistance for the long journey ahead.

Hello, my name is Monica Self, and I am 29 years old. I’ve been living in constant, excruciating pain for over 13 years, ever since I barely survived a car accident in 2011. That traumatic event left me with severe spinal injuries, and despite trying every possible avenue of non-invasive care, my pain has only worsened over the years.

The only solution left for me to have any chance at a normal life is Artificial Disc Replacement (ADR) surgery for my L4 and L5 vertebrae. However, this life-changing surgery comes with a significant cost.

The Impact of Chronic Pain

For many years, I’ve been living with 24/7 debilitating pain. The constant discomfort has robbed me of the ability to work, enjoy life, and even take care of myself properly. Medication doesn’t provide lasting relief and hasn’t addressed the root cause of my pain. The treatments that are supposed to help, like physical therapy, injections, specialized chiropractic and other non-surgical options, have failed.

As the pain continues to worsen, I find myself unable to function in any way close to what is normal for someone my age. At just 29, I should be able to enjoy life, pursue goals, and live independently — but right now, every day is a struggle.

The Roadblock with Insurance

I’ve fought for over two years to get approval for this essential surgery, but my insurance companies have continuously denied my claims. I’ve switched insurers multiple times, hoping for a different outcome, but no matter what, I’ve hit the same dead end: rejection after rejection, with no clear path forward.

It’s frustrating, heartbreaking, and exhausting. And without the surgery, I face a future where my mobility and quality of life continue to decline.

Why I Need Your Help

This surgery is my last hope. It could give me a chance to be free of this pain and start living my life again. But because I’ve exhausted all resources with insurance, I need help from kind-hearted people like you.

The funds I’m hoping to raise will go directly toward covering the cost of the Total Disc Replacement surgery and related medical expenses that insurance has refused to cover. Every donation, no matter how small, will make a difference.

With your help, I can finally take control of my life again. I’ll be able to get back to work, be more independent, and most importantly, enjoy the things that bring joy and meaning to my life — pain-free. This surgery is not just about fixing my back; it’s about restoring my future.

Please consider supporting me in this fight. If you can’t donate, sharing this campaign with others would mean the world to me. I am so grateful for any help you can offer.

Thank you for taking the time to read my story. With your support, I can start on the path to healing and reclaim my life from the pain that’s held me captive for so long.

With heartfelt thanks,

Monica Self