Help Venus Heal From Failed Surgery and Find a Safe Home

My name is Venus, and I’m asking for help to finally heal — physically, emotionally, and safely.

In the last year, my entire world has unraveled. I'm 28 years old, autistic, and currently living with constant pain after undergoing what was supposed to be a medically necessary, life-changing dental procedure.

Due to years of untreated dental trauma caused by orthodontic malpractice — including the removal of healthy teeth and braces that were placed too low — my bite collapsed, and I developed TMJ disorder, facial tension, and chronic pain that made it hard to eat, speak, or live comfortably. I eventually had no choice but to seek out a major surgery abroad in 2024 because I couldn’t afford the care I needed in the U.S.

I went into the surgery with hope. I believed it would be the beginning of my healing.

But instead, it made things worse.

A Procedure That Was Supposed to Save Me… Failed

The surgery did not go as planned. The recovery process was difficult, and before I even had a chance to stabilize, I experienced a major life crisis. While hospitalized during a psychiatric emergency, my dental prosthetics broke. I wasn’t in a position to fix them. I was already overwhelmed, in survival mode, and trying to navigate the collapse of everything around me.

In January 2025, I had them removed entirely.

Since then, I’ve been living with intense, daily mouth and jaw pain, worsened by TMJ, nerve sensitivity, and the trauma of an incomplete, failed surgical process. I can’t chew properly, I often gag or feel nauseated when trying to eat, and the constant sensory overload leaves me exhausted, overstimulated, and emotionally drained. My entire nervous system feels like it’s on fire.

I wear temporary dentures that don’t fit properly. They move around in my mouth, making it impossible to chew solid food or speak without discomfort. I'm constantly in pain — physically, mentally, and emotionally.

I Had to Leave My Relationship and I Lost Everything

In the middle of all of this, I also made the incredibly hard decision to leave a relationship I was in for over three years. While I won’t go into detail, the situation had become emotionally and physically unsafe, and I knew I couldn’t heal or grow in that environment.

Since then, I’ve been homeless, staying with my parents in a small public housing apartment.

We’re five people in a cramped 2-bedroom unit, including my parents, my younger brother, myself, their 2 dogs and my service dog. My parents both live with chronic pain conditions (my mother has arthritis, and my father has back problems). I currently sleep in their bed while they take turns sleeping on the couch (they won't let me take the couch no matter how many times I ask).

I’m incredibly grateful to my parents for taking me in — I know that not everyone has the privilege of having somewhere to go after leaving a relationship and experiencing trauma. They’ve done everything they can to support me, even at the cost of their own comfort. But I want to take the pressure off them, create stability and independency for myself, and recover in an environment where we can all breathe a little easier.

I'm Trying So Hard to Rebuild

Even in all of this, I haven’t stopped trying. I’m actively applying to jobs, building freelance work, and I have three interviews lined up this week. I’m showing up, doing the best I can, and trying to build a future for myself despite everything that’s been working against me.

But the truth is, I can’t do this alone.

I can’t keep pushing through this pain and instability without help. I need a safe, stable place to rest and recover. I need access to corrective surgery and medical care. I need a chance.

What Your Support Will Help With:

Corrective oral surgery and medical follow-up care

Securing safe, stable housing where I can finally recover in peace

X-rays, imaging, dental consults, and pain management

Basic living expenses while I continue applying and interviewing for jobs

Mental health and sensory supports to help me get back on my feet

✨ Why I’m Asking for Help

I’ve always been strong, adaptable, and resourceful. But there are some things you just can’t fix alone. I never imagined I’d be writing a GoFundMe at 28, asking strangers to help me heal. But here I am, because I still believe in community, kindness, and second chances.

If you’ve ever experienced medical trauma, invisible illness, or the quiet, lonely suffering of trying to rebuild a life from nothing — you understand what this means.

Even $5 helps. Every share, every kind word, every ounce of support brings me closer to healing. I just want to eat without pain. I want to rest without fear. I want to rebuild my life in safety, peace, and dignity.

Thank you for reading my story. Thank you for seeing me.

With love,

Venus