Support Michael Hart's Urgent Surgeries

Hello, and thank you so much for taking the time to visit my GoFundMe page.

My name is Michael Hart, and I’m reaching out with a humble heart and urgent need. Asking for help has never come easily for me, but today, I’m in a situation where I cannot do this alone.

Over the past four years, I’ve been in a constant battle for my health physically, mentally, and emotionally. My body has been through multiple surgeries, chronic conditions, and now, I’m at a crossroads. Without the medical intervention I need, my future is uncertain.

My Medical History: A Complex and Painful Journey

In August 2020, I underwent a failed lumbar discectomy. The pain didn’t go away, and in November 2022, I had a spinal fusion (L3-L4) in an attempt to stabilize my spine. Since then, my recovery has been ongoing and complicated.

But my spinal issues are just one part of a much larger and more painful picture.

Here are some of my current diagnoses:

• Chronic low back pain

• Severe diverticulitis (an inflammatory bowel condition)

• Gastroparesis (paralyzed stomach/delayed digestion)

• Insomnia

• Mood disorder (BPD)

• Combined ADHD & PTSD

• Morbid obesity (currently 368 lbs)

• GERD (acid reflux)

• Vitamin D deficiency

• Hematuria

• Tubular adenoma (pre-cancerous polyp in the colon)

This list is overwhelming, and I live with the impact of each condition every single day. It’s physically painful, emotionally draining, and financially devastating.

April 2025 Hospitalization: A Wake-Up Call

This past April, I was hospitalized again after experiencing unbearable abdominal pain. Doctors discovered a twisted, angulated segment of my colon in the sigmoid area, as well as a contained bowel perforation, a serious and dangerous complication.

In plain terms: my bowel was so inflamed from diverticulitis that it twisted on itself and ruptured. I was hospitalized for 3 ½ days. They wanted to keep me longer, but growing up with my mom in the hospital, I have a fear of being there, making staying in the hospital a challenge in itself. After a month, when the inflammation went down, they performed both a colonoscopy and endoscopy, removing a pre-cancerous polyp. But due to the angulation and inflammation, they couldn't even complete the procedure; it was too dangerous to proceed further.

I’m now living with a twisted, inflamed colon that doesn’t function properly, and the pain has become a daily, excruciating part of life.

️ Digestive Failure: I Can’t Keep Food Down

My gastroparesis diagnosis means my stomach is partially paralyzed. Food doesn’t digest the way it should, leading to:

• Chronic nausea

• Vomiting

• Pain with eating

• Severe food limitations

I’ve had to drastically change my diet to even be able to eat. I now live with constant fear around food (which for those who know me, I was a chef for 13 years, making this even harder), wondering if what I eat will cause more pain, vomiting, or another hospital stay.

Why Surgery Is Urgently Needed

After consulting with multiple specialists, including my GI doctor, Dr. Groves, and my surgeon, Dr. Gawlick, they agree that two surgeries are urgently needed:

1. Corrective intestinal surgery

To remove the diseased part of my bowel, repair the twisted colon, and avoid needing a colostomy bag.

But… I’m too high-risk at my current weight. If they tried it now, I’m at high risk for it rupturing after surgery, causing a permanent colostomy bag as well as a high risk for sepsis.

2. Gastric bypass surgery

To bring my BMI down from 46 to 35, which will make it safe enough to move forward with the corrective procedure.

Roadblocks: Insurance & System Barriers

Despite the medical urgency, my insurance has refused to fully cover the gastric bypass, labeling it “non-life-threatening” and “elective.” The copay alone is $14,875, far beyond what I can afford.

I’ve followed every protocol:

✅ Met with dietitians and nutritionists

✅ Tried various diets and meal plans

✅ Exercised within physical limitations

✅ Taken medications—including GLP-1s like tirzepatide

✅ Jumped through all the hoops insurance requires

I was seeing progress on tirzepatide, but then compounded versions were made inaccessible due to Eli Lilly making it so compound pharmacies could no longer make it. The cost jumped from $275/month to over $600/month—another blow I couldn’t absorb financially.

This has left me stuck:

• Too overweight for surgery

• Too sick to work multiple jobs or labor jobs

• Too poor to afford the solution

• And I’m too scared of what will happen if I don’t act soon

Personal Circumstances: Why I’m Asking for Help

Earlier this year, my company went through layoffs. I’m grateful to still be employed part-time as the Director of Marketing at an engineering firm focused on clean energy. But with my hours cut, my income barely covers:

• Rent

• Health insurance

• Medications

• Food and essentials

I’ve experienced more loss than I ever imagined possible. Both of my parents have passed away, and I’ve also lost my brother. With not a lot of immediate family left to lean on, I’ve done my best to remain strong and self-reliant. Most of my close friends, while emotionally supportive, are not in a financial position to help. It’s been a lonely and humbling journey, one that has forced me to exhaust every possible route for care and recovery.

Now, I find myself here, turning to the kindness of strangers. This is not easy for me to do, but I truly have nowhere else to turn. I’m reaching out with hope in my heart, praying that someone out there will see my story and offer a helping hand.

If I’m able to receive these surgeries, it would mean more than just physical healing. It would correct the severe issues in my colon and stomach, help me finally gain control over my weight, and ease the burden on my already fragile spine. This could delay or even prevent another painful spinal fusion surgery in the future. It would mean freedom from constant pain, the ability to sleep, to eat without fear, to work more consistently, and to live, not just survive.

What I’m Fundraising For?

I am asking for your help to raise $30,000, How the funds will be used:

Expense and Estimated Cost

Gastric bypass surgery (Mexico) $12,000

Corrective intestinal surgery (U.S.) $10,000

Rent & essential bills and medications during recovery $8,000

The gastric bypass would be done at a reputable international facility (Mexico), where the full cost, including flight, hospital stay, medications, and aftercare, is significantly lower than in the U.S.

Once I’ve recovered from the bypass and reached a safer weight, I’ll be able to undergo intestinal surgery to correct my colon before it becomes life-threatening and restore my ability to digest and eat somewhat normally, hopefully without the need for a colostomy bag.

How can you help?

If you’ve made it this far, thank you. Truly.

Even if you can’t donate, simply sharing this campaign could help it reach someone who can.

This journey has been long and painful, but I haven’t given up. I still believe in a future where I can live without constant pain, eat a meal without fear, and sleep through the night.

These procedures offer a real chance at a healthier, longer life, one filled with less pain, more mobility, and a renewed sense of hope. Every bit of support, no matter how small, brings me one step closer to that reality. Thank you for reading my story and for considering being part of my healing journey.

If you’re able to give, no matter the amount, please know that you’re not just donating to surgery. You’re giving me hope, time, and a second chance in life.

With all my heart, thank you for being here.

Michael Hart