Sternoclavicular Joint Reconstructive Surgery

    Well in February of 2021 (right before I turned 17) I reinjured myself, one of my cats got stuck under a house and I got on my stomach to reach for him and when I grabbed ahold of him he jerked away . Due to the fact of having Ehlors danlos syndrome ("Hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos syndrome is an inherited connective tissue disorder that is caused by defects in a protein called collagen") this incident caused the ligaments that hold my left clavicle into the SC joint to stretch out meaning my collar bone is permanently dislocated until I can get reconstructive surgery to correct it. In this surgery they would essentially put a new ligamant in from a cadaver to anker the clavicle back into the SC joint. 

   Over the past year and a half I've gone to 8 specialists, and had multiple sets of imaging and tests done (MRIs, CT scans, nerve tests, ultra sounds). I've also tried physical therapy and the physician told me I need surgery due to the severity of the situation. On top of that I went to 2 top of the line pain management specialists to see about getting injections to lower my pain level; both agreed I needed surgery and an injection is to risky because of the location of the injury and my sensitivity. 

   All of these Doctors have told me need to get this surgery. The hold up is that very few doctors in America even do this surgery because of risks involved and how rare this injury is. No surgeons in PA do this surgery and so all of these past Doctors I have been to have recommended I see Dr. Anthony Romeo who's located in Chicago. On March 2 I seen Dr. Romeo via zoom call and he finally set me up for surgery which was supposed to occur on May 24, 2022. About two weeks before said surgery we found out the insurance company wouldn't cover it because it was out of state. They explained Id need to put a down payment for them to just touch me and then I'd pay the rest over my lifetime so that's what the donations will go to. 

  This injury has impacted every single aspect of my life, and I can no longer be independent in any way. I have extreamly limited use of both of my arms because of this, I cannot bear any weight or lift my arms from my side which leaves me unable to do almost everything independently. I struggle with swallowing/eating, breathing, intense muscle spasms, nerve pain throughout my chest wall and down both arms, and numerous other issues due to this injury. I am also in a sling or brace most of the time to try to stop this from becoming more severe and attempt to ease the pain. 

  

   Many people who know me personally know my passion in life is creating, I absolutely love to create handmade wire wrapped jewelry as well as a number of other things; one day I would even like to further my education in this subject and turn it into a career. I've had my own business I call Sunbeams since I was 15 years old and I absolutely love everything about it, I spent hours and hours every single day to create beautiful pieces. However, because of this injury which has rendered me disabled I can no longer do any of that. I desperately hope one day I can get this surgery so I can get back to doing all the things I love and be able to function completely independently. I just graduated highschool this June and turned 18, getting this surgery would mean I'd be able to start my own life - learn how to drive, go back to working, further my education.. 

  I know this is a longshot and I hate that it has come to this point but it's been about a year and a half by now and I don't have any other option but to ask for help raising the funds for this. Thank you so much for taking the time of day to read this, any donation helps and I will appreciate it to the fullest graditude. Even if you can't donate please just share around on social media or with your friends and family, every single interaction helps.