Need to travel for life-changing surgery

Hi, my name is Jaque. I am Kasey's girlfriend of 7 years. Chris and I are starting a fundraiser for Kasey Patrick-Weideman. He needs to travel to Seattle, WA for a life-changing surgery. Kasey needs to have surgery for a MALS diagnosis. MALS is Median Arcuate Ligament Syndrome. This happens when a band of tissue, the median arcuate ligament, presses on the artery that sends blood to other important organs in the abdomen. The way MALS affects Kasey is by causing extreme pain when eating, rapid weight loss due to the fear of pain that is caused by eating, constant abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting and bloating, and internal bleeding in the stomach and intestines. It also causes him to have issues using the restroom. This surgery is a chance to relieve Kasey of these symptoms and be able to get back to a more normal quality of life. This illness causes him to not be able to work due to the pain and constant need to use the restroom. When receiving the diagnosis, Kasey learned this is something that has affected him since childhood. Unfortunately, this was not able to be diagnosed at that time.

Kasey being able to have this surgery would not only improve his life, but it also would ultimately save his life. Getting a MALS diagnosis is extremely difficult because it is rare and not much is known about it. It does shorten the life expectancy of those who suffer from complications from MALS. Kasey is very loved by his young son, me, Chris, brothers, in-laws, nieces and nephews and friends and family. Starting this fundraiser is not only important to Kasey, his family and friends but it is especially important to me because I have seen the way MALS has lowered his quality of life and how much he suffers every day. I would love to see an end to his suffering.

The cost of surgery is covered by his insurance, but the cost of travel expenses is not. Donations to this fundraiser will be used for the cost of lodging, gas and food for Kasey. His doctor has specified that he needs to be there a few days ahead of his surgery, due to the discomfort and pain traveling causes Kasey, and a few days after surgery to make sure everything went well and cleared for travel back home. We would like to thank everybody ahead of time for any donation you are able to make. Every little bit matters. If you would be so kind as to share this with others, we would appreciate that, too.