In light of several female friends being transparent with their reproductive health battles, I've decided to finally commit to having a LEEP procedure done to remove the level CIN3 precancerous lesions on my cervix. This decision did not come easy since I'm a 'heal yourself' kind of girl, but I was inspired to go through with it because other women's journeys illuminated the necessity. This is a cancer preventive surgery that will ensure all the cells that are posing a risk are removed.

For the first time in my life I have a gynecologist I resonate with and trust - which is huge. I am also a recovered addict and will be abstaining from opiates during/after the procedure. My partner Jon Patty will be holding space for me throughout the healing process with homemade soups, ibuprofen, and a Star Trek marathon.

I spoke with the hospital today and they are asking for 50% down, which would be $1,350. The total for the procedure is $2700 with my health insurance. I am taking off work this February to heal since catering events requires me to operate at a superhuman level - and I simply won't be able to run kitchens after having my lady parts cut into. Thus, finances are particularly tight for us until March. I would be relieved to raise just half of the cost to put down and complete the rest with a payment plan, but if the whole thing gets covered it will ease future stress for sure! Anything additional will go toward this month's bills, rent, groceries - and all the other fun expenses that come with being an adult.

I'm normally the person sharing other people's fundraisers so this is weird for me - but after a self check in, it's true that I could sincerely use some extra help this month. My procedure is scheduled for February 3rd and I procrastinated making this fundraiser until now because again, it's kinda awkward. If you're able to contribute to helping my lady parts procedure I would be eternally grateful. This is my first surgery - and to go through it sober will be quite an adventure. I trust that this will open up a new world for me, where I no longer have to walk around with the faint worry of "is my cervix growing cancer?" any more.

Thank you to all of the lovely humans who have been supportive of my incessant questions, research, fears, and concerns leading up to this. While I don't have children yet - I'd still like it to remain a possibility by keeping thangs in tact down der.

I greatly look forward to resting on the other side, handling pain with grace, and launching toward a more carefree way of embodying my being.

Courage, Gratitude, & Light,

~Ciara Blossom~