Hey there everyone!

From the time I was around 18 months old, I have had major problems with my Left Ear - multiple tubes, and surgeries (tympanoplasty). I have holes in my Left Eardrum - sometimes severe enough to look like "swiss cheese" due to infections. I have never known what it is like to swim without an ear plug, and it is prevalent that my hearing is beginning to suffer.

WHAT IS A TYMPANOPLASTY? Essentially it is the reconstruction of my ear drum. The doctor will take a piece of cartilage from my outer ear to mold and graph around my ear drum - patching up the holes that are currently there. This will be the 3rd tympanoplasty ( 1st - 2003 / 2nd - 2012).

I went to my local ENT in June due to a lot of leakage and throbbing coming from my Left Ear. After looking, and doing a hearing test, my doctor was surprised that I could hear at all. He wanted a second opinion, so I was sent to a specialist in Jackson, MS - and that doctor wants to do another tympanoplasty, hoping to fix the current problem before it becomes more severe. Will I always have reoccurring problems with my ear? Yes.

Both doctors have said that, with time, I will most likely have to look into getting a hearing aid due to the loss of hearing - but without this surgery, the middle ear bone has the potential to worsen, increasing the chance of permanent ear damage. This may not seem too extreme, but as a performer (singing, dancing, acting), hearing is a part of my career - and my life.

My surgery will be in Jackson, MS and is set to be November 22 - estimated to be around $6,235.23 (after my insurance coverage). I have applied for a Health Care Credit Card, and I am qualified anywhere between $4,000 and $5,000.

Times are very tough right now, and I completely understand that. I am asking for help to cover the expenses that I am not sure I will be able to cover myself + the cost of transportation and accommodations.

If you are able to help, in any way, that would be the biggest blessing, but if not, I understand and I am forever grateful for your thoughts and prayers during my upcoming procedure.

Love,

Trav