Sky is 27 years old and was born with a rare and severe medical condition called Pectus Excavatum associated with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS). Pectus Excavatum is a chest wall deformity in which the breastbone sinks inward, compressing the heart and lungs. In Sky’s case, EDS—a connective tissue disorder—has significantly worsened this condition by weakening the tissues that support her chest, ribs, and organs.

EDS affects the body’s collagen, leading to fragile connective tissue, joint hypermobility, and instability throughout the body. For Sky, this has caused her chest wall to progressively collapse inward over time, placing increasing pressure on her heart and lungs. This compression has resulted in chronic shortness of breath, severe fatigue, chest pain, dizziness, and an inability to exercise.

Sky was first diagnosed at 11 years old, but as she has grown older, her condition has steadily worsened. Since last summer, her symptoms have become much more severe. She now struggles with basic daily activities such as walking for short periods, doing household chores, sitting or lying down comfortably, and even breathing without pain. She experiences sharp chest pain daily and has developed asthma-like symptoms that require the use of a steroid inhaler. Her energy levels continue to decline, and simple tasks leave her physically exhausted and lightheaded.

Over the past several months, Sky has been in and out of specialists’ offices to determine whether emergency surgery was necessary—and whether she would even qualify for it due to the fragility of her connective tissue. She is among the 1% of women who develop a severe, life-threatening form of Pectus Excavatum, especially in combination with EDS.

We are relieved to share that Sky has now been officially approved for a life-saving surgery called the Ravitch Procedure. During this operation, deformed cartilage will be removed, her breastbone will be repositioned, and a temporary metal support bar will be placed in her chest to stabilize her heart and lungs. A second surgery will later be required to remove the bar once healing has occurred.

During this surgery, Sky’s surgeon will also evaluate two benign lung nodules that were discovered in scans from November 2025. These nodules were reviewed by a cancer research center, and while they are currently considered non-cancerous, they must be monitored closely.

Sky’s doctors and insurance have confirmed that this is not a cosmetic procedure, but a medically necessary and life-saving one. While insurance will cover a portion of the surgery, we are still responsible for well over $40,000 for the first procedure alone. We do not yet know the full cost of the second surgery or the extended hospital stays required for both procedures. We will receive more information at her pre-operative appointment in February 2026.

Sky’s Ravitch Procedure is currently scheduled for February 18, 2026, though she has been placed on the hospital’s emergency surgery list and could be called in sooner if her condition worsens.

We are incredibly fortunate that Sky has been placed in the care of Dr. Robert Meguid at UCHealth Anschutz Medical Campus in Denver, Colorado, one of only ten surgeons in the United States who specialize in this complex procedure. Dr. Meguid will lead a team of 12 medical professionals and is confident in his ability to perform the surgery and bring Sky safely home.

Recovery is expected to take a minimum of 12 weeks to 6 months, depending on complications. During this time, Sky will be unable to work, lift objects heavier than her phone, bend over, or safely be alone. A fall during recovery could be fatal, so family members will need to be with her around the clock.

As a family, we are hoping to raise $100,000 to help cover:

Surgical costs not covered by insurance

The second procedure

Extended hospital stays

Medications and medical supplies

Rent, groceries, and daily living expenses during recovery

Care for her cat, Russ

Any complications that may arise

Every donation will go directly toward easing the financial burden so Sky can focus fully on healing. She has lived her entire life being told that this condition could shorten her lifespan. Being told now that she has a chance to come home, recover, and live a full life means everything to us.

Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for supporting Sky. Your kindness, generosity, and willingness to share her story truly mean the world to our family—and give Sky the chance at a longer, healthier life.