Hello my name is Mariel :)

I want to start off by saying I’m being extremely vulnerable and creating this was very hard for me as I am a person who doesn’t like reaching out when I need help. Right at this moment , I need help…

I’m a 33 year old single mom and for those of you who don’t know, over the past 2/3 years I’ve been dealing with a very personal medical issue. I have what’s called panniculitis of the abdomen. It’s a very rare skin condition also accompanied by severe inflammation and has created a HUGE mass in my abdominal area. It has created my stomach/ lower belly to hang extremely low making it very difficult to move or even walk . What I need is called a panniculectomy surgery. I’ve been turned away by many surgeons in the area as my case is severe and challenging due to the size of the overhanging belly and severe inflammation. Along with a massive lower belly , it is also creating skin rashes and wounds on my stomach. In the past six months alone I’ve been hospitalized due to wound infections.

I’ve been disabled and homebound for the past two years ,completely shifting my world upside down in a blink of an eye. Not being able to drive, go to work to provide for my son has been very hard on me mentally. I want to have this surgery in order to get my life back. I feel I am missing out on a lot of things even simple things like walking or going out for a car ride . I want to be able to attend all of my son’s milestones. I want to return to being that independent, hard working mom who’s always provided for her son.

With all the fear and damn near embarrassment, I’m reaching out to anyone who can spare anything to contribute to my surgery.

I’ve finally found a plastic surgeon who is able to perform my panniculectomy . Unfortunately he does not accept my insurance . I want to make it clear that this surgery is not for cosmetic reasons, it’s needed in order for me to get my life back.

If you made it this far, I want to thank you for taking the time to read this and anything is welcomed. Thoughts and prayers help too Thank you

****DISCLAIMER!!! This is not me in the 2nd photo, however , this is very similar to my condition ******