Help Suz beat Endo, so she can help others again!

Pam is raising money for Suzanne. 

My name is Pam Bestler, and I am here to tell you about my beautiful daughter Suzanne and how her life is currently in crisis. She has spent the last 30 years of her life struggling with terrible pain from Endometriosis. Yet, because of how little most doctors know about this “women’s disease,” she was diagnosed just 5 short years ago. When she got that diagnosis, we thought that it would answer all of our questions and finally lead to a better, pain-free life for her. But it was only the beginning of an absolute nightmare.

 

Endometriosis (or endo) is a disease in which tissue similar to the tissue that normally lines the inside of the uterus — the endometrium — grows outside the uterus. Just like it does in the uterus, this tissue thickens and then bleeds off each month, wreaking havoc in the body and causing extreme pain. Most people think of the pain of endo as “very bad cramps”; however, it is more accurately described as the pain of masses and lesions bleeding into the body surrounding them. Endometriosis most commonly involves the ovaries, fallopian tubes and the tissue lining the pelvis, but in rare cases, endo can bond itself to organs and tissue outside the pelvis.

 

In light of recent imaging and specific symptoms, it seems that Suzanne currently has endo lesions on her diaphragm, wrapped around her left hip nerve, on her right ovary, covering her appendix, attaching her uterus to her rectum and surrounding structures, as well as a large mass that partially blocks her descending colon when it grows each month. Can you believe that for years, people/doctors said it didn’t exist, that it was all in her head? We have had to fight to get answers.

 

The effects of this disease are not just physical. I have watched her life crumble around her. Suzanne's symptoms have been so debilitating that she was forced to leave her job as a mental health therapist. For two years now she has been unable to work because of pain, and fills her days distracting herself from it. She loved her job as a therapist, helping people brings her joy. During covid she gave mini sessions to every essential worker she came across at the fabric store and of course she sewed masks. She does it in her spare time, reading research, it’s her passion – just look at her facebook!  She’s the only person who could handle this – I don’t know how she does it!

 

Suzanne has called 911 and has been taken to the ER more times than I can count due to her crippling pain. If you can believe it, recently things took a turn for the worse. Things changed dramatically; Neuropathy paralyzed her body completely and she could not move any of her limbs – they were locked against her body. She could not eat, sleep, or use the restroom. She was screaming in pain for help until Firefighters dead-lifted her out of her bathtub, covered in her own waste, and took her to the ER. This happened 4 times that weekend - the ambulance rides, the screaming – all in an attempt to control her pain. Finally, Suzanne was granted her wish for another CT scan. It was obvious the results were bad the second the doctor walked in the door. The scans revealed extensive endo spreading. Suzanne now had endo on her lungs, as well as eating through her abdomen and leading to discharge from her belly button.

 

It also then became clear that it would cost at the high end of the surgical estimate we were given: $100,000 – an astronomical expense for anyone.

 

Why YOUR Help is SO Important – and Why it is Essential That You Care

 

Surgery has been scheduled in New York City in December, with three experts who specialize in the specific type of endo that Suzanne battles. Unfortunately, there are no providers in the entire state of Arkansas qualified to treat her condition. Here is the kicker, Suzanne has Medicaid and Medicaid does not pay for out of state treatments. Considering that this surgery could cost upwards of $100,000 in out of pocket expenses, there is a real possibility that Suzanne will be forced to declare bankruptcy after gaining freedom from crippling endometriosis. This is why we are asking for your help.

 

Suzanne’s Mental Health Promise

 

WHY SHOULD THEY CARE? One in 10 women has endo. Odds are you know some one with endo. Help me, help them. Suzanne has sworn to make a difference in others lives. If Suzanne has ever touched you or inspired you or cheered you up when you had a bad day – please from a mothers heart, donate. If she can’t get the surgery she needs I don’t know what would happen next. However, I do know that even one surgery, on her worst lesions, will give her back her life again. Every single dollar makes a difference and will go towards funding this surgery, and helping her rebuild her life. And she has told me (of course she has!) that if by some miracle she receives more than is needed, she will save the money to offset the costs of offering free and low-cost therapy in the area.

 

Endometriosis has affected millions of women worldwide. Suzanne is committed to using her firsthand experience to assist women in the fight for their well deserved medical attention.

 

WITH JUST A DOLLAR AND A CLICK OF A BUTTON, YOU CAN GIVE SUZ HER LIFE BACK.

EVEN A DOLLAR HELPS! EVEN SHARING HELPS! EVEN SENDING A MESSAGE OF HOPE HELPS!

www.endofound.org

 

I will continue to update you on Suzanne’s upcoming surgery, her recovery and best of all, her return to the life she loves, as a mental health therapist; An occupation that is vital in today’s society.

 

Many thanks for your time, prayers and support,

 

Pam (and Rick) Bestler