Support Gabi's Urgent Endometriosis Surgery

If you've clicked on this link, just know that I am grateful for you taking the time to read our story, and even if you can't donate, maybe this can give you some insight into endometriosis and the problems with healthcare right now. This fundraiser will raise money for my sister to travel to Atlanta to get a surgery on 3/18 that insurance is not going to cover due to being "out of network".

I'm creating this for my sister so she can get, what is in my opinion, life saving surgery for her treatment of endometriosis. Although this surgery isn't truly a matter of life or death, the life my sister is currently living is not the carefree, young life that a 19 year old in college should be living. Despite a previous surgery last year that diagnosed her with endometriosis, Gabi has lived in debilitating pain for almost a full year with little to no answers from doctors. She suffers from chronic fatigue, inflammation levels that are extremely high, chronic pain in all parts of her in addition to a bunch of other symptoms. It is believed that the endometriosis has spread to her lungs as some scans have shown lesions and she has struggled with intense chest pain and shortness of breath.

Even with all of this, Gabi continues to be a full time student at the University of Florida, volunteers at Shands Childrens hospital and is currently working towards being an orientation leader for incoming students. Over the past few months, doing all of this has become increasingly difficult and there are days where she can't get out of bed.

Gabi is one of the most kind, empathetic and hardworking people I know. She always shows up physically and emotionally for those around her. She sometimes calls herself the therapist friend because everyone knows she will always be there to be a listening ear with no judgement. I am inspired by her courage and bravery to advocate for herself to countless doctors who dismissed her and her symptoms for so long.

Gabi and my parents will be traveling to Atlanta for the surgery and will stay for about a week after for post op monitoring. This surgery, which is a specialized procedure for endometriosis, is something Gabi can’t receive locally due to the severity of her condition. The surgeon in Atlanta is one of the few in the country who can help manage her symptoms and prevent further spread of the disease The total out of pocket cost for this is looking to be about $30,000. This is the money that the surgeon and hospital are requiring up front to perform the surgery.

My family and I have faith in God that this is going to change Gabi's life for the better. As much as asking for help can be hard, I know that sometimes you have to face the uncomfortable, and that is something I am willing to do for her.

If you've made it this far, yay! I appreciate you taking the time to read this over. If you aren't able to donate, no worries at all! A like or a share can go a long way.

With love,

Natalia