Hello world, my name is Sabine, some call me Selkie. Many of you know me as a musician and/or a massage therapist. I am raising money to get a life changing surgery to treat my endometriosis. Your donations will help to end my debilitating pain so I can live my life fully and continue to bring joy and beauty into the world through music and healing touch.



It has been over twelve years since the onset of my symptoms and I have finally been diagnosed with Endometriosis and Adenomyosis. These years have been filled with a silent suffering, numerous ER visits, misdiagnoses and dismissal from doctors and the same old prescription of birth control pills (a treatment that unfortunately makes me very depressed and anxious). This medical run-around and chronic pain has taken its toll on my physical and mental health.

I have been left to self-manage this pain through alternative medicines, and as a bodyworker in that realm I initially was up for the task. However, Endometriosis and Adenomyosis are progressive diseases and no amount of talk therapy, massage, “clean” eating or meditation can stop the spread. After over a decade without diagnosis it has progressed enough in my body that I have adhesions between my organs, my uterus is severely displaced and my fertility is compromised. Dealing with this pain is a daily burden that significantly impacts the quality of my life and my mental health. I love life and I have an incredible pain tolerance and yet there are some days where the pain is so great I want to die. Excision surgery is the best option for management and fertility preservation.

I’m seeking care with an endometriosis specialist in my home state of Washington. There are no surgeons in New Mexico where I live who are skilled enough to treat complex cases like mine that involve adhesions between organs. Their likely route would be to remove the ovaries and uterus entirely but I do hope to preserve my organs and maybe carry a child someday. I am confident this specialist I’ve chosen in Washington can remove the adhesions and lesions while preserving my organs.

I aim to raise a minimum $10,000 though the costs are likely to exceed this.

The surgeon fee is $7000 out of pocket, with no payment plan available. THE SURGERY CANNOT BE SCHEDULED UNTIL THERE IS A $7000 DEPOSIT so the sooner we can raise this amount the sooner I can have relief. Here is a link on the providers website that explains their Out of network rationale

The hospital fee is $14,850

After anesthesiology, labs and pathology it is likely to be closer to $20,000

I hope to switch to a PPO plan that has out of network benefits in Washington state to cover some of these hospital fees. The cost of such a plan and what they will cover is still unknown.

Funds will also go towards meals and bills since I will not be able to rely on my physically demanding income source doing bodywork while I heal.


It feels totally insane to me to ask for this kind of help for myself when there is so much suffering in the world. As a fiercely self-reliant person it is incredibly vulnerable to put myself out here like this. I am endlessly grateful for any donations and support you have to offer. I am filled with so much hope and love for humanity when we show up in these ways for each other in the face of unjust systems that leave so many behind. I am truly humbled to be on the receiving end of such generosity.

 Thank you thank you thank you <3

xoxo

Sabine Colleen

(they/them)