Support Andrea Miller's Life-Changing Surgery

Hi, my name is Andrea Lee and I am fundraising for my dear friend, Andrea Miller. Andrea has devoted her life to caring for the mind, body, and spirit of our youth. If you know her, she is a giver, a gentle spirit, and is kind and loving to all. Today, I am asking that we help take care of her.

Andrea is a middle school science teacher and an amazing human. She has worked in education for over 21 years, teaching middle and high school (physical, biology, and chemistry) science. She also has a masters degree in curriculum and instruction in creative arts. She is a kid magnet, they absolutely adore her. Both of my boys were fortunate enough to have been taught by her.

Andrea had gastric bypass surgery in December of 2021, after a lifetime of fighting her weight and the health issues relayed to it. She used to require seatbeat extenders on planes, was unable to sit in booths, and was unable to go up stairs without gasping for air. She also had sleep apnea. Andrea had tried everything her doctors had suggested (weight watchers, ideal protein, weight loss meds, diet and exercise, etc), and ultimately this surgery saved her life!

Andrea has now lost a total of 209 pounds with 15-20 more to go. She has become very active and loves to be in nature, walking and hiking. However, she now has large portions of skin that need to be removed. She was very devastated to learn recently that insurance will not cover a large portion of the procedure, deeming it cosmetic in nature. This is making it impossible for her to afford this procedure out of pocket. Andrea has consulted with 3 different plastic surgeons who, along with her primary care physician and bariatric surgeon, have agreed that this procedure is a medical necessity to have the large amounts of skin removed. Doctors have stated it is in fact a funtional procedure. Andrea has trouble with ongoing sores, rashes, non healing acne, and briusing because of thr extra skin. Andrea worries daily about infection and it limits her mobility, as it causes a strain on her back and hips. She struggles daily with back pain, and clothes do not fit right because if the amount of excess skin. She is living in constant pain, and has difficulty mantaining a proper walking gait.

This is greatly affecting Andrea's quality of life. She just wants to be content in her own body that she has worked so hard to get! She told me that she worries daily about the sores and rashes becoming infected and risking her life. She is in pain every single day.

Any amount will help Andrea. I have watched her work so hard for this. This will be life changing for her. Thank you!