Palegingerpear's Lipedema Journey

Ever since I can remember I have had hips and thighs that didn't seem to match the rest of my body. Not only are they out of proportion to my upper body, but they also cause me a lot of pain. I spent a lot of time seeking answers and found out about a decade ago my condition is called Lipedema. 


Having a diagnosis was the first step towards dealing with this painful condition. I was officially diagnosed in 2018.


I started my PaleGingerPear Instagram feed in February 2018 to share the day to day realities of living with Lipedema. I have met some amazing people and been offered extraordinary opportunities. For example, I was filmed for a Barcroft TV documentary and interviewed about the experience of living with Lymphedema and Lipedema. It has over 2 million views on Youtube!!


After my recent formal diagnosis, I was presented with another incredible opportunity. The consulting surgeon told me he had been looking for a patient just like me who had a health journey to make and a story to tell. We are working together to help me regain my functional mobility and raise awareness for this condition. My Lipedema Reduction surgeries are being filmed for an upcoming docu-series. I am grateful to have this opportunity to spread awareness and hopefully influence health insurance to cover surgical treatment for Lipedema.


My surgical journey has already begun! I have already had two separate Lipedema liposuction/surgical damaged tissue extractions on my lower body and the transformation has been astronomical. I have been very fortunate to be able to share my progress on social media to promote awareness! Check me out !!!


Excitement over my progress aside, my surgical procedures are costly and not covered by insurance. The surgeon who is helping me regain my health and mobility is located on the West Coast and I must fly there for every surgery and stay for the recovery period. It sounds glamorous to fly across the country for surgery, but the reality is that I am a single mom, caring for an adolescent kiddo, working multiple jobs, and trying to deal with a medical issue. My Lipedema physically limits my life. My surgeries are not for cosmetic enhancement; I am doing whatever I can to alleviate my pain, increase mobility, and give myself and my son a happy life together. 


If you would like to learn more about Lipedema please visit the Lipedema Project at https://lipedemaproject.org/


If you would like to see my progress or ask me any questions about living with this condition please find me on my IG at Palegingerpear.


If you are able to donate, I offer my thanks in advance. It may seem like an insignificant amount, but even giving a single dollar will positively impact my health. The surgical procedures, travel, childcare, and recovery garments are very expensive and your single dollar will give me back my freedom to move and keep my child safe while I heal. Being functionally mobile is changing my life!


Thank you for taking the time to read my GoFundMe page. Please share if you think this information may be valuable to someone else. 


I thank you from the bottom of my PaleGingerPear heart!