A Matter of Life & Breath
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$6,147 raised of $23K
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I'm Lexa Terrestrial. I'm a sick artist. I wasn't always but
My medical story is crazy. I've been dealing with a rare condition for 8 years. Finally found a specialist capable of properly handling my difficult case. But it requires a major 9 hour surgery. ! And Surgery - it costs - $23,356.00. It's obviously out of state - so not covered.
Here is a Health Update: https://youtu.be/72JXnm5c6A8 (Sept. 2026)
It's not been an easy road. I've had some good days. Less bad. Change isn't this big miraculous experience all at once though. It's incrementally unnoticeable shifts. I'm not even close to 100% yet. But
I've done all I can! The one thing I need to do, is give myself a break.
The Surgeon that was able to save & restore my form and function was Dr. Andre Panossian.
One of the most intelligent & delicate surgeons I've probably ever seen. Specializes in Facial Paralysis and rare cases. Closest to perfection someone can get!
Even If I'm not 100% rn, he's given me years of my life back (if not saved it) & did such an incredible job.
But this cost me sm of my life. The Traveling & Air Bnb alone is costly.
Ugh, America... And with all the consults, traveling, nurses, anesthesia, ect. It's been even more. But I have faith... we can do this.
If Karen's can raise $75,000 for assaulting someone with "free speech" at Walmart... come on...
Here is proof of surgical cost.
If you'd like me to find & scan the paper receipt lmk! I'm not playing around.
Not only will the surgery cost, but the travel, the $ for Healing, bills, time away. If you fall sick in this country you should be taken care of, treated with respect without having to loudly advocate. Helping people get back up is 4 x more beneficial to the economy & society.
I have sm PTSD because of what happened to me. And I'll be getting treatment for that in November! I thought it only really happened to war vets. But medical trauma is veryyyy much a thing. I knew that would be another hurdle. Especially when the illness you have effects your well being, mental state, ability to breathe, talk & be calm. And especially when it's caused by another human (Doctor)
Ya'll know my distrust of doctors but
But I have an incredible, understanding, gentle Doctor. Who I am grateful for. My Doctor is so worth it & frankly the reason I am confident in finally moving forward. They've put me at ease & been reaassuring & meticulous. When all faith was lost. I've been dealing with this for 8 YEARS - living in fear & pain. Fear I'll always be stvck w this. Even though I'm scared, I'm sick of breathing tubes, the sinus infections, the doctors, the sickness, the q-tips, the depression, anxiety & mental/physical pain & not being able to live my life.
I assumed it may actually be even more expensive.
But yes I will have to raise the amount.
As you know the number 23 is a sacred number and follows me around, letting me know I am ok. I told myself if that number appeared I'd be ok.
Did not expect it to be that specific amount. Even though I don't believe in that stuff - I will take it as a sign.
I had a benefit show last summer & have been busting my ass since.
There's been many times that I've truly contemplated ending it- it'd be easier.
All the support, people reaching out, the love it's kept me bravely going.
I thank you for that. I've felt like what if I am not worth getting better.
This is precisely why I am such a STRONG advocate of accessible healthcare for all. Adequate too so things like what happened to me don't happen to others at the alarming rate they do.!!!!
I hope & pray one day I am through this. And can go on to do more amazing things and make you all proud.
If you know me you know that for the last 8 years I've been suffering with a rare neurological breathing condition called ENS that has took a huge tole on my LIFE & HEALTH.
the little that i am still able to do I fight for my life. & try to keep going.
99% of the day I cannot breathe unless I have some type of device.
To ENS Sufferers they often feel like they are drowning, suffocating or have a really bad cold 24/7.
The Symptons:
anxiety, depression, difficulty breathing, risk of suicide, respiratory infections, chronic infections, pain & facial nerve pain, TMJ, trouble swallowing or speaking, dry sinuses/throat, sleep difficulties, lack in quality of life
Videos:
My Fight with SSDI – ENS Court Case
My Experience w/ “Empty Nose Syndrome” & Healthcare system
Another Video Describing How Treatment Is:
Health Update (I made need surgery) + more treatment
I have gotten several treatments with an ENS specialist but as you know I am looking for a permanent cure for these issues. This may require a very scary in depth surgery to fix damaged tissue & implants.
I've been to 217 doctors over the course of this time and have spent thousands on the upkeep of my health.
I no longer want to be a slave to this.
The Fight for Breath may require Surgery & Treatment
and a long journey of healing.
Organizer
