Hello, my name is Anastasia but I go by Anna.

I was diagnosed at just 13 years old with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, fibromyalgia, and gastroparesis. Even with ongoing medical care and treatment, my condition caused severe degenerative damage to multiple joints throughout my body. One of the hardest complications has been the deterioration of both of my TMJ jaw joints.

Over time, this led to a severe Class III malocclusion and left me needing major corrective surgery. I had known I needed this surgery for around 10 years now, I had gotten funding from the sick kids program with my first surgeon for braces and surgery but he told me I was too young after acquiring the funding and then proceeded to embezzle this funding. He was later on fired for doing the same to his other patients but this left me with no surgery and no funding. After a long period of fighting and a careful discussions with my new surgeon, we decided that, because I am only 24 years old, double jaw surgery would be the best first step in hopes of saving my joints and avoiding total joint replacement for as long as possible. Of course this is out of pocket now. With a 50% possibility of relapse and a second surgery needed.

This journey has been emotionally, physically, and financially overwhelming. So far, I have had to pay:

* $5,000 on my credit card for orthodontic treatment

* $1,600 for surgical planning fees

* And I still owe approximately $4,000 in remaining medical expenses

I am currently unable to work because of my condition and difficult recovery. It hit my that during my recovery I will live solely on ODSP, which provides very limited financial support, and I live in downtown Toronto which is quiet expensive. I through I would be able to handle it all own my own but I’m struggling especially now after seeing how brutal recovery is.

Recovery from this surgery has been incredibly painful and exhausting. I am currently struggling to afford basic necessities, including the protein shakes and liquid foods I need to maintain my health during recovery. I am already underweight at 42 kg (92 lbs) at 159 cm tall, and proper nutrition is essential for healing.

Asking for help is not easy for me, but I truly cannot do this alone. Any donation — no matter how small — would help me afford food medication, recovery supplies, and reduce the debt that has built up from necessary medical care.

I did not choose this disability, and it has taken so much from me. I am doing everything I can to keep going and heal. Your kindness, support, or even sharing my story would mean more than I can express.

Thank you so much for taking the time to read my story and for any help you are able to give.