I’ve been deeply moved by the outpouring of love and support since sharing my health journey. Truly, I didn’t expect the kind of response I’ve received and I can’t explain how cathartic it’s been to feel so seen and supported.

I’ve carried a lot of fear around going public with this, but your kind words helped ease that.

Several of you have reached out to ask if I have a GoFundMe for the expenses surrounding my upcoming surgery. I wasn’t sure whether to share one but honestly, any support would help ease the financial pressure.

I’m not listing the full cost as the fundraiser goal just yet because it’s a big number. For now, I’ve posted the base surgery cost: $16,850. The total impact, including travel, lodging, medical supplies, and other expenses, comes to approximately $27,510

There’s a breakdown in the photos section, and I’ll add more receipts for flights, hotel, and related costs as I’m able (the platform only allows so many images at once).

I’ll also share my original story below this post for anyone who hasn’t seen it.

Thank you again from the bottom of my heart for holding space for me.

My story

Vulnerable share: I debated whether to post this, but I feel called to speak up in case it helps someone else the way other women’s stories have helped me.

Over 16 years ago, after losing a significant amount of weight, I consulted with a surgeon about a breast lift. During that appointment, I was talked into getting implants. I was never told they should be replaced after 10 years. I was told they were safe for life. I was never warned about Breast Implant Illness (BII).

When the implants were placed, they were double the size I had agreed to. I sustained nerve damage that never healed. Within just a couple months, my hair began falling out in handfuls. I developed persistent heart palpitations and food allergies so severe they became anaphylactic. The symptoms kept stacking up...insomnia, chronic headaches, nerve dysfunction, abnormal labs, rashes, all day stomach aches, swelling, joint pain, hormonal chaos, and irregular periods. The list goes on.

At the time, no one I spoke to had heard of implants making women sick. Lawyers told me cosmetic surgery cases are nearly impossible. Doctors didn’t have answers. So I endured. Quietly.

For 16 years I’ve been living with health issues that don't seem to have any explanation outside of Breast Implant Illness. The pain has become unbearable. To say it plainly, I feel like I’m dying. It has affected every part of my life. I’ve kept most of this private, only sharing with a few people, because the lack of understanding and support has made it incredibly isolating.

But now, more and more women are coming forward with the same experience. My rheumatologist recently told me he believes my abnormal autoimmune tests may be linked to the implants. Other doctors have echoed that, pointing to growing evidence of connections between implants and chronic illness like mine. There is no test that can definitively prove it, but they’ve encouraged me to get them removed. The chemicals in the implant shells are known to be toxic and some types have already been recalled. The evidence is overwhelming.

Unfortunately, insurance does not cover explant surgery. It is far more invasive and expensive than getting implants in the first place. But I’ve made my decision. I can’t keep living like this. I want to be well again. I want to be myself again.

My explant surgery is scheduled for June 6 in Florida. That’s less than a week away. Recovery will take time. I won’t be able to lift my arms for a month. I'll be in Florida two weeks and I’ll be offline for a while as I heal.

This has been an emotional, scary, and lonely journey. Sharing this is a big step for me. But I’m hopeful and I’m ready to begin healing.

Thank you for reading.