✨ Help PJ Get the Surgery to End 20 Years of Pain ✨

Hi, I’m PJ—and for the last two decades, I’ve lived with relentless pain.

It started with a traumatic car accident in 2005. Among several serious injuries, the worst were an emergency splenectomy and esophageal ulcers—damage that left a permanent mark on my digestive system. Since then, I’ve been in a cycle of unbearable GERD (acid reflux), right-sided diverticulitis, and countless complications that have taken over my life.

Even plain water tastes like vomit. I’ve had to give up almost all of my favorite foods. I’ve tried everything—quitting smoking in September, cutting out trigger foods, medication after medication—but nothing stops the pain. I’m on a regimen equal to four Prilosec OTC pills per day, plus TUMS constantly, and it still doesn’t bring relief.

Because right-sided diverticulitis is so rare in my demographic, I even lost my appendix before I got answers. On top of all this, I’m prediabetic, struggle with low testosterone, and can’t sleep more than six hours a night without medication. The exhaustion is constant. The isolation is real.

But I still imagine a different life.

I imagine walking up a flight of stairs without losing my breath and tasting acid.

I imagine hiking again, with enough energy to enjoy it.

I imagine drinking water—just water—without needing to add flavoring to mask the taste of stomach acid.

And now, I’m finally close to getting there.

After years of fighting for answers, I’ve found a doctor who listens. I’ve gone through all the tests. The only thing left is a final diagnostic procedure—an EGD—which insurance requires before approving the Gastrojejunostomy (GJJ) surgery that could actually fix the problem.

The total cost for the procedure and surgery is $6,474.26. This doesn’t include travel, hotel, or time off work, but I’m flying to Missouri to make it happen—because I can’t live like this anymore.

If you’re able to help, it means more than I can say. Your donation will go directly toward:

• The diagnostic EGD

• The GJJ surgery

• Travel and lodging for out-of-state treatment

• Recovery expenses not covered by insurance

Every dollar, every share, every kind word brings me closer to a life without pain.

Thank you for being part of my journey. Truly.

With love,

PJ