Help Megan Fund Reconstructive Surgery

Hello, my name is Cathy, and I am fundraising on behalf of my lovely and sweet niece Megan. She desperately desires to get reconstructive surgery to repair a congenital birth defect, both for the physical aspects as well as the emotional and mental distress she experiences. Megan's insurance has repeatedly denied coverage for this surgery in spite of her doctors making appeals on Megan's behalf.  There is a sense of urgency that accompanies this request. Megan only recently found this doctor who specializes in her type of defect and he has taken her case. Surgery is scheduled for April 21, 2022. The catch is, the doctor is retiring in May, so this will be her only opportunity with him.  The down payment for the surgery has been made.  Please help her reach her goal to fund the remaining amount for the surgery.

 

Megan has written her story, from her perspective and her own words. This is a huge step for her to open up with brutal honesty. As you read her words please consider contributing to her surgery fund. Thank you.

 

Megan's Story:

 

Hello, my name is Megan. I am twenty-six years old and live with my parents in a rural town in New Mexico. I suffer from a condition called Tuberous Breast, a congenital deformity/birth defect.

 

I did nothing to cause this, except grow up. One day, shortly before I turned thirteen, my right breast stopped growing, while my left breast grew at an exponential rate, causing severe asymmetry. It was and still is traumatic.

 

I try to hide the asymmetry with padded, saline filled bra inserts, but it's still not enough to hide the problem. Also, the padding is painful to wear at times and is very hot in the summer, but I can never bring myself to take it out.

 

This affects every aspect of my life. The severe asymmetry causes anxiety and depression. In addition to the emotional pain, I suffer from physical pain as well. The deformity causes pain in my breast (even without the insert), something that can be fixed with the surgery. I also suffer from neck and back pain caused by the bad posture I have developed. I have gone to physical therapy to fix my posture, but proper posture makes the asymmetry obvious, even with the inserts, and I inevitably revert back to the hunched and twisted posture.

 

I have tried to get insurance to cover the surgery since it is classified as reconstructive surgery, but they have denied me three times, citing that the surgery is cosmetic and not medically necessary. I know there are people who believe this is only a matter of vanity, but I can assure you that is not the case. I just want to look normal.

 

I also have Type 1 Diabetes. The constant anxiety I experience has a negative effect on my blood sugar. Even my endocrinologist believes that if I get the surgery, my anxiety will go down and my blood sugars will improve.

 

I have consulted with a plastic surgeon in New York who specializes in this reconstructive surgery, and he has agreed to do the surgery. Now I just need to be able to pay. I need money to pay for the surgery, as well as travel, food, and lodging expenses.

 

I'm in a bad place financially. I have been unable to get a job; I have been rejected by every business I have applied to. I am a writer and aspiring filmmaker, but I have had trouble pursuing my own dreams due to a lack of confidence caused by low self esteem.

 

I have spent years looking for answers and a permanent solution. I've finally found the answers I was looking for, but the solution is out of my reach. Without help, it could remain out of reach for many more years. Please help me get the reconstructive surgery I need.

 

For those who are unfamiliar with this condition, here is a website that should help:

https://www.farrismd.com/tuberous-breast-deformity/