Help Ava Get the Surgery She Desperately Needs

Ava is only 19 years old, but she’s already faced more pain and medical challenges than most people do in a lifetime. Despite her suffering, she remains determined to follow her dream of becoming a nurse — a dream fueled by the very struggles she faces every day.

Ava lives with multiple complex and painful chronic conditions: Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, POTS, dysautonomia, gastroparesis, chronic migraines, cyclic vomiting syndrome, fibromyalgia, CRPS, narcolepsy, anxiety, depression, etc. — and now, endometriosis. It’s the endometriosis that’s causing her the most immediate and unbearable pain. It has completely debilitated and taken over her entire life. Pain so severe that she can’t function. While there is no cure for endometriosis, excision surgeries to remove endometrial tissue are the only true way to manage the condition.

She urgently needs surgery from a specialist who understands the complexity and invasiveness of her condition. While the procedure originally cost $34,000, the doctor has generously reduced the fee to $17,000. But even at that reduced rate, it’s an impossible sum for Ava and her family. Medicaid will not cover the cost, and no qualified specialist in Virginia accepts her insurance plan.

Ava is currently on disability. The daily pain, fatigue, and complications from her conditions make it impossible for her to hold a job. Still, she pushes forward. She began college at Longwood University but had to withdraw due to frequent hospitalizations, medical interventions, and worsening conditions. Now, she’s continuing her education through community college, taking online courses to complete her nursing school prerequisites. Her goal? To help others in the same way so many doctors and nurses have helped her.

This surgery is not just about relieving Ava’s current agony — it’s about giving her the chance to truly live again. It could also help improve her severe digestive symptoms, which have required invasive interventions like a GJ-tube inserted directly through her abdominal wall and into her intestines. Endometriosis is an ongoing condition in Ava’s life, affecting her in so many ways. Without this surgery, her suffering will continue to worsen.

Endometriosis isn’t limited to the reproductive system — it can grow on the gastrointestinal system, urinary tract, diaphragm, etc. Ava has already undergone one surgery for endometriosis, but the previous surgeon failed to thoroughly inspect her organs and she is still suffering. Ava has been fighting for treatment since last year. Finally, Ava has found a specialist who understands the full scope of the brutal disease — but she can’t move forward without financial help.

Please consider donating — every dollar brings Ava closer to a life not consumed by pain. And if you can’t give, please consider sharing this piece of her story. Ava is a fighter, and with your help, she won’t have to fight alone.

Thank you for your support and compassion.