Support Beatrice’s Surgery to Breathe Freely and Heal Fully

Hi, my name is Beatrice McGrath, and I truly appreciate you taking a moment to read my story.

I’ve always been fiercely independent—sometimes to a fault—but right now, I’m facing a major health challenge and need help to get well. I’m living with a chronic condition that requires a second surgery, and I’ve reached the point where I can’t do it alone.

Three years ago, I had a pituitary tumor removed from just under my brain near my brain stem through endoscopic surgery via my nose. The recovery was difficult, but the results were life-changing. I finally felt like myself again—strong, capable, and healthy—for about a year and a half.

Unfortunately, that surgery left behind extensive scar tissue in my sinuses, which is a side effect that happens very occasionally. Since then, I’ve suffered from chronic sinus infections that don’t respond well to treatment. Right now, I can barely breathe through my nose and am battling constant facial pain and infection.

I currently have chronic sinusitis and limited function in all eight of my facial sinuses. In just two weeks, I’ll be undergoing a complex surgery at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia. It includes a septoplasty, total ethmoidectomy (anterior and posterior), partial sphenoidotomy, and the removal of built-up scar tissue and infection throughout my sinus cavities.

I’ve spent the last month and a half on various medications, but my doctors have told me I’m now antibiotic- and steroid-resistant due to the long-term nature of the infections. I’m able to move around for about five hours a day before headaches and exhaustion take over. Every day is a struggle just to manage the pain and keep fevers at bay until surgery.

To make things even harder, I lost my job in late June after informing my employer I’d need time off for surgery. My household is now operating on a single income, and many of my medications aren’t covered by insurance due to being non-formulary medications, due to the nature of my health. I’m also facing upfront medical costs, prescription expenses, and post-op needs I simply can’t afford on my own right now.

So I’m asking, from the bottom of my heart, for help.

Whether it’s a donation or simply a share, your support would mean the world to me. I’ve always worked hard and taken pride in standing on my own two feet, but this time, I need help to get there.

Where Your Support Will Go:

Your donation will go directly toward necessary medical and recovery expenses, including:

• Surgery-related expenses: $4,000

• Out-of-pocket medications ($90/month): $160+

• Post-op recovery supplies (nasal care, pillows, humidifier, etc.): $300 - You can view or contribute directly through my Amazon Recovery Wishlist

• Transportation to and from the hospital for surgery and follow-up appointments: $300

• Income lost during recovery: $4,000

• Medical expenses I’ve already paid in seeking my diagnosis and treatment: $3,000

and if I’m lucky, maybe a comfort item just to feel a little human in this time. Things have been difficult due to my health for quite a while.

If you’ve read this far, thank you. Truly. Writing this has been one of the hardest things I’ve done - I’ve lived with illness for much of my adult life, and asking for help doesn’t come easy. But I’m fighting for my health, for my family, and for the life I want to return to.

Thank you for being here. Thank you for your kindness. And thank you, from the bottom of my heart, for any support you’re able to give. This experience is humbling, and even kind words mean the world. I’ve always tried my best to work hard, be independent, and contribute to my family, my career, and find my place in making my community better. I truly want to get back to a place of being healthy enough to do that.

With gratitude,

Bee