Hi, I’m Karen Orlena, a 46-year-old IFBB Professional bodybuilder, coach, aspiring model and mother to my daughter. My life has always been about strength—pushing my body to achieve incredible goals, inspiring others through my coaching, and being there for my family. But right now, I’m facing a painful challenge that’s keeping me from living the life I love, and I need your help to get through it.

I’ve been dealing with complications from pre-existing health issues with my breasts and implants. I’m in constant discomfort / pain from multiple seromas, non-cancerous cysts, and capsule contracture, which have made it nearly impossible to work at full capacity as a competitive bodybuilder and model. The discomfort / pain is not just physical—it’s stopping me from being the active, vibrant mother and woman I want to be. Every day, it’s a struggle to keep going, but I’m determined to reclaim my health and get back to doing what I love.

To move forward, I need a very complex surgery to remove multiple pain causing cysts, current implants and capsules. First I need to undergo testing to rule out BIA-ALCL (Breast Implant-Associated Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma), and have new smaller implants placed for reconstruction along with mesh to prevent capsule contracture. My surgeon, Dr. Don Revis in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, is the leading expert in this field and has quoted me the cost of $46,21700 CAD ($33,730 USD) for this intricate procedure. However, this cost doesn’t include travel from my home in Victoria, BC, Canada to Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, USA or the accommodation I’ll need during recovery. I also need to bring a family member with me for care and support, as I’ll require help post-surgery and for the journey back home.

This surgery is my path to healing—not just to relieve the physical discomfort, but to restore my ability to work, and be there for my family. I’ve always believed in the power of community, and now I’m reaching out to ask for yours. Every donation, no matter the size, will bring me closer to covering the $46,217 surgery cost, plus $7,000 travel and recovery expenses. Your support will help me get back to being the strong, passionate woman I am at heart.

Thank you for reading my story and considering supporting my journey to heal. If you can’t donate, sharing this campaign with your network if you feel comfortable doing so would be a help.

With deep gratitude,

Karen Orlena