My name is Meghan Batterson and I am a tattoo artist located in Ames, Iowa. I am asking for donations to go toward my labral tear surgery and recovery.

Last year, I started experiencing pain in my hip after a long tattoo appointment. After almost a full year of being misdiagnosed, receiving the wrong treatment, being put through physical therapy (which made the injury worse), and steadily increasing pain, I was finally approved for an MRI on August 25th, which found I have a labral tear. I will (finally!) undergo surgery for the tear at the end of September.

I am asking for donations to go toward the cost of surgery, and for supporting me through the time I am taking off for recovery. I am taking almost 3 weeks off total for surgery and recovery, but am still unsure if that will be enough time off.

Thank you for reading my story. If you want to donate, any amount is helpful.

My goal is to focus on my recovery during this time so that I am able to dance at my upcoming wedding in March. I am also taking commissions for portraits during this time to help offset costs, so please let me know if you are interested in purchasing a portrait instead of/in addition to donating.

Thank you,

Meghan Batterson