Help M.Sierra Heal: Funding for ACL Surgery & Rehab

Hey everyone,

I’m reaching out because I’m facing a medical emergency and could really use some help. Back in September, I was participating in a community wrestling event when I fell and heard a pop. It turns out I tore my ACL, sprained my MCL, and bruised some bones in my right knee. I could not walk or work for 10 days following the initial injury. It took over six weeks to get a proper diagnosis because of scheduling delays and a broken MRI machine. This type of injury requires a surgical repair. To fix my ACL, the surgeon will be using muscle from my quad and/or cadaver to length and reattach and restore my ACL muscle. Post-op recovery lasts 6-8 weeks, requires physical therapy, and extra support as I will be unable to drive myself due to location of the injury. Having gone months without proper care has been physically excruciating. After a long wait, my surgery was finally scheduled for Wednesday, November 13th. The logistics of preparing for a major surgery like ACL repair is incredibly draining and difficult, but we figured it out, and I was ready to start the healing process. I arrived at the hospital and had sat down to fill out my forms, when I was informed that my procedure had been cancelled, because my surgeon had left for the day, because he didn’t think I was coming. No need to ask, because yes, he was. A blessing wrapped in a logistical nightmare. I immediately got a new surgeon, who I am very happy with. Unfortunately, transfer of care means starting from scratch (including the imagining!) and my surgery was pushed back an additional month. During this past month, I have only worked two shifts a week, because my job had coverage prepared for my recovery. Now, instead of being recovered on Christmas Day, going through immediate post-op care during the height of the holidays with recovery going through the end of January. The American Medical System has cost me my time, mobility, autonomy, dignity, and thousands of dollars.

I currently owe over $1,000 in back rent and over $600 in bills while facing two months of unemployment as I recovery from major knee surgery.

And through all this, I am one of the lucky ones. I have an incredible job that treats me as a person with respect while offering accommodations and care and even hosted a fundraiser for my surgery. I have an amazing support system of friends and community.

I still need so much help. I live upstairs in my home and have been putting in the work to make it as accessible as possible, but a lot of that takes money. I’m going to need a shower chair and other items to help me recover. I’ve applied for disability insurance, but I’m not sure if it will come through in time or at all.

That’s why I’m asking for help. I’m trying to raise $5,500 to cover my living expenses, medical needs, and some of the things I need to make my recovery a bit easier. Any contribution, no matter how small, will make a huge difference. You can support me by donating here or via Venmo (@Mariel-Sierra), CashApp ($meepsierra), or PayPal (@MESierra13). If you want to help with meals, transportation, or other essentials, I’ve set up a Meal Train and an Recovery Wish-List with items I need. If you can’t donate, please consider sharing this post with others—spreading the word is just as important.

While this has been an incredibly challenging time, this process has shown me what love really is and the power of community. Thank you to everyone who has shown care and kindness. I wouldn't have gotten this far without ya'lls support. Please considering sharing this post with others - spreading the world is just as important and would mean the world to me.

Graciously,

M.