My name is Nina, and I’m raising funds for a critical surgery that will help me regain my health and prevent life-threatening complications. After years of unexplained pain and medical challenges, I was finally diagnosed with Hirschsprung’s disease—a condition that should have been treated at birth but went undetected for decades. During my last pregnancy, my intestines fell out, and I spent five years seeking help, only to be turned away by multiple surgeons. Eventually, a dedicated team at UW created a custom implant for me and removed my colon, which saved my life but left me with ongoing health struggles.

Living without a colon means I’m constantly at risk for infections and complications. I can no longer work because any injury to my implant could be catastrophic, and my immune system is severely compromised. Last year, after a severe bout of COVID-19, I went into kidney failure and lost a significant amount of weight, leaving me with excess skin that now presses on my bladder. This, along with a hernia, causes constant pain, frequent infections, and puts me at risk for kidney failure again. My insurance will only cover part of the necessary surgeries, leaving me with a large out-of-pocket cost I simply can’t afford on disability income. Dr. Potyondy, a double board certified surgeon, has offered to perform all the needed procedures at once for a much lower cost, but I need help to make this possible.

This surgery will allow me to fully empty my bladder, stop the cycle of infections, and prevent another episode of kidney failure. It’s hard to ask for help, but this is my best chance to regain some stability and reduce the daily pain and fear I live with. Any support will go directly toward the surgery and related medical expenses, giving me hope for a healthier future.