Short of it: I'm Julie (JD / Jules), and I’m raising funds for a major surgery to treat uterine fibroids and diagnose & excise endometriosis. After years of chronic pain, fatigue, and loss of quality of life, this surgery is my best chance at relief. Any support you can offer means the world.

Hi, I'm Julie—but friends call me JD or Jules. Thank you so much for being here.

I’m reaching out to my community—those who know me and those I’ve yet to meet—to ask for your support. I’m preparing for a major surgery: a myomectomy and laparoscopic surgery to diagnose and excise endometriosis. This procedure will be life-changing, and possibly life-saving, after years of living with debilitating physical and mental pain.

For too long, I’ve endured extreme fatigue, heavy blood loss, chronic pain, and severe depression. In 2023, my health took a sharp downturn. After countless doctor visits, blood tests, imaging scans, and an excuriating ER trip, I finally got some answers. While surgery won’t cure everything, it offers real relief—a chance to regain my quality of life, and possibly even preserve my fertility for the future if I decide to go that route.

What’s going on?

I’ve been diagnosed with at least three uterine fibroids, located both inside and outside my uterus. These likely non-cancerous tumors have been causing pressure on nearby organs, nerve pain, pelvic pain, lower back pain, and heavy bleeding—which has led to chronic low iron levels.

Alongside this, I am also suspected to have endometriosis—a painful, chronic condition where tissue similar to the uterine lining grows outside the uterus. It can create lesions and scar tissue, inflame and bind organs together, and in severe cases, damage them. It is one of the top 20 most painful conditions—and the only way to definitively diagnose it is through surgery, which will happen during my myomectomy.

I’ve also been diagnosed with fibromyalgia, another chronic pain disorder that intensifies my daily discomfort and fatigue.

When and Where?

My surgery is scheduled for July 17th at UNC’s Minimally Invasive Gynecologic Surgery Center in Hillsborough, NC. Recovery will take 4 to 6 weeks, during which I won’t be able to lift more than 10 lbs—meaning I’ll be unable to work during that time.

Why I need help

I’ve been told I won’t receive a cost estimate until one week before the surgery. Based on consultations with other providers, I know the surgery could cost $15,000 or more for the surgeon fee alone. I am not financially stable enough to afford this big of a bill. While I’m covered by Medicaid, impending federal funding cuts in North Carolina mean there’s a real chance some or all of the surgery costs may not be covered.

Any funds raised will go directly toward:

If Medicaid ends up covering the full cost of the surgery, I will transparently share that and donate any remaining funds to local mutual aid groups and community orgs doing vital work.

What this surgery means for me

Getting this surgery means getting my life back. It means reducing my daily pain, managing my symptoms, being physically active again, and helping my partner run our farm. It means showing up more fully for my community, friends, and mutual aid orgs. And most importantly—it means reclaiming my joy, my independence, and my will to live again.

Thank you for taking the time to read my story and for supporting me in whatever way you can. Every share, donation, and kind word means the world to me, truly.

Much appreciation and gratitude,

Julie (JD / Jules)