MARICHI'S ENDO TREATMENT FUNDRAISER

Hello my name is Marichi (Marie, Riri, Chi-Chi) T. Martinez-Vazquez and I have Stage 4 Endometriosis. I have struggled with the side effects of this disease for almost a decade, unfortunately doctors don't know what causes it, nor does it have a cure and unfortunately my case has progressively gotten worse.

November 2022 I finally had surgery as my condition became extremely dangerous and after many tests I was notified that I needed to have my fallopian tubes and part of my colon removed. However during the surgery a lot more damaged was found and I had my tubes, part of my ovary, part of my colon, (1) fibroid and parts of my abdominal wall all removed due to scar tissue from old lesions. During that surgery it was discovered that my endometriosis had spread past my pelvis and up to my abdomen and I have dense adhesions in all of my pelvis, my ovaries, posterior culdesac, colon, appendix, bladder, kidney, liver and abdominal wall. This surgery ultimately saved my life and gave me a lot of relief but it also set me back almost $10k after insurance, which thankfully do to savings I was able to pay off but it took pretty much all I had.

Fast forward to March 2024, and I am back in a critical state. After dealing with a few months of pain, I went to see a specialist and after a few test was informed that I now have endometrial growth around my sacrum, which is the area that connects my pelvis and spine. In order to reduce as much damage as possible to the muscle and tissues around my spine, I will be completing radiation therapy, trigger point injections and physical therapy. The radiation therapy to target the affected areas, pelvic muscle injections to alleviate pain and inflammation, and physical therapy to help strengthen my muscles and improve mobility. However, these treatments come with a hefty price tag. This is my second time doing similar treatments, back in 2016, I had abnormal cell growths due to my endometriosis and it wasn't easy or cheap but was the right thing to do long term. Though I'm sad to be back at this place, I am proud that I am otherwise healthy and active and in the best possible position to have the best possible outcome.

The total for the 6 weeks of treatment is a little over $40k and my out-of-pocket cost is $6,000. Which I was prepared, though not excitedly, to pay but I was soon informed that the price doesn't include my pelvic physical therapy. After spending most of my savings a little bit over a year ago, and currently paying for GI physical therapy to continue help heal my colon, this additional expense has been an ongoing stressor. I am in need of support from family and friends to help me access the necessary treatment to manage my symptoms and improve my quality of life.

I am humbly asking for your generosity to help me raise the funds needed to cover the cost of my physical therapy, which I am waiting to hear the final number (radiation and injections as well if I meet my goal). Your donation, no matter how big or small, will make a tremendous difference in my journey to healing and recovery. Your support means the world to me and will help me regain my strength and continued independence. I am scheduled to start treatment April 2nd - May 7th.

In honor of March being Endometriosis Awareness Month, I appreciate everyone taking the time to read my story and support. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for your kindness, compassion, and generosity.

I am also selling basketball bouquets on my Etsy page, Baller Bouquets Etsy to help raise funds if interested!