Hannah's Surgery Fund
Donation protected
Purpose
The purpose of this page is to raise funds for me to finally be able to get a breast reduction after 6 years of seeking alternative treatment for pain relief.
The Backstory
My name is Hannah Elliott, and I am a 23 year old graduate student at Colorado State University pursuing my masters degree in Student Affairs in Higher Education. I have had large breasts since I was in the 8th grade. Consistently two to three cup sizes above others my age, I have never felt comfortable in my body.
I am currently a 38DDD (on a good day) hoping to be reduced to a C cup. My boobs have always been a nuisance. From not being able to afford $50-75 bras, to having a hard time finding clothing that fit properly and “appropriately”, my large chest size has severely damaged my self esteem and body image. Button down shirts are my worst enemy, and finding a professional blazer that does not highlight my chest and can button is near impossible.
My body has been sexualized since I was in middle school. I remember running to get something out of the car during a family members birthday dinner at Hooters and having a group of grown men ask me when I am applying to be a waitress. I remember random boys in high school texting me asking what size bra I wore and if they could receive topless pictures. Being able to receive this surgery means being able to reclaim my body and enjoy the skin I am in.
Outside of confidence, my large bust has also resulted in immense pain. Due to my heavy chest, I have bad posture which results in consistent pain in my upper back and neck. Some days, it pains me just to hold my head up. This pain caused by my breast size has affected my ability to live the life of a normal person in their young twenties. I just moved to Colorado last fall and can’t go on an actual hike with friends without feeling immense pain throughout my shoulders and back. I cannot exercise regularly due to the pain and discomfort which has taken a toll on my overall health and has resulted in weight gain.
My neck and back pain have started to result in pain elsewhere. I suffer from near daily headaches due to the strain on my neck. At least three of these a week are migraines that I have to push through in order to be a functioning employee, student, and person. This means pushing through light/noise/scent sensitivity, nausea, visual disturbances, and shooting pain with every move. My lower back pain and difficulty to live an active lifestyle has resulted in mild sciatica, which can be just as painful as it is frustrating.
I have tried going to chiropractors, acupuncturists, and physical therapy and nothing has given me anything above temporary relief. Because I have not been able to afford consistent care through these methods, they are not valid proof of medical necessity to any insurance company. Daily use of over the counter pain relievers, such as Advil and Ibuprofen, have become a necessity which is only a danger to my body long term. Holistic methods such as heat pads, Epsom salt baths, and even CBD oils provide nothing but temporary relief from the discomfort. I need a long term solution, and this is my only option. It just comes down to being able to afford this surgery. I want to be able to live a comfortable, active life.
The Costs
All generous donations will go directly to medical costs. Surgeries can range anywhere from $5,000-$10,000 and I have been estimated for almost $8,000. Though I am saving money, this cost is a lot for any graduate student to foot by herself. I thank you for reading this and even considering donating to my cause.
The money raised will go directly to paying for the following:
-Pre-Surgery costs (consultation, exams, etc)
-Anesthesia
-Surgery
-Post-Surgical Garments (super cute bra I get to wear afterwards)
-Post Surgery care
-Other costs that may arise
Why not Insurance
Though I am currently covered by insurance, after totaling the costs and time it would take to prove medical necessity only to get my surgery partly covered, I would still need about $5,000 out of pocket. This would include paying for 8 weeks worth of physical therapy appointments, doctors visits for my referral examination, consultation, deductible for the surgery, and 20% of the total surgery cost. Most people trying to get breast reductions covered by insurance are denied the first time (and sometimes the second or third) and have to go through an appeal process that may or may not include more costs and stress like seeking out chiropractic care for an amount of time, a certain amount of weight loss, or the insurance company will force young women to wait until they have had their first child and have tried breastfeeding.
Why not take out a Loan
As you may already know, medical loans can cover plastic surgery costs. This is an option that I am saving as a last resort since I already have student loans on top of my own bills and helping support my family. Taking out a loan may seem like the easy option, but putting myself into debt like this would severely impact my financial stability, independence, and plans for the future.
How You Can Help
As all go fund me pages go, there are two ways you can help. Firstly, you can donate any amount to support my surgery financially. Every dollar counts, and even your consideration in helping me means so much. The other way you can help, whether you donate or not, is to share my donation page on your social media accounts or through text/email.
I am truly appreciative of any way you can support me and cannot wait to update you on all of my progress!
The purpose of this page is to raise funds for me to finally be able to get a breast reduction after 6 years of seeking alternative treatment for pain relief.
The Backstory
My name is Hannah Elliott, and I am a 23 year old graduate student at Colorado State University pursuing my masters degree in Student Affairs in Higher Education. I have had large breasts since I was in the 8th grade. Consistently two to three cup sizes above others my age, I have never felt comfortable in my body.
I am currently a 38DDD (on a good day) hoping to be reduced to a C cup. My boobs have always been a nuisance. From not being able to afford $50-75 bras, to having a hard time finding clothing that fit properly and “appropriately”, my large chest size has severely damaged my self esteem and body image. Button down shirts are my worst enemy, and finding a professional blazer that does not highlight my chest and can button is near impossible.
My body has been sexualized since I was in middle school. I remember running to get something out of the car during a family members birthday dinner at Hooters and having a group of grown men ask me when I am applying to be a waitress. I remember random boys in high school texting me asking what size bra I wore and if they could receive topless pictures. Being able to receive this surgery means being able to reclaim my body and enjoy the skin I am in.
Outside of confidence, my large bust has also resulted in immense pain. Due to my heavy chest, I have bad posture which results in consistent pain in my upper back and neck. Some days, it pains me just to hold my head up. This pain caused by my breast size has affected my ability to live the life of a normal person in their young twenties. I just moved to Colorado last fall and can’t go on an actual hike with friends without feeling immense pain throughout my shoulders and back. I cannot exercise regularly due to the pain and discomfort which has taken a toll on my overall health and has resulted in weight gain.
My neck and back pain have started to result in pain elsewhere. I suffer from near daily headaches due to the strain on my neck. At least three of these a week are migraines that I have to push through in order to be a functioning employee, student, and person. This means pushing through light/noise/scent sensitivity, nausea, visual disturbances, and shooting pain with every move. My lower back pain and difficulty to live an active lifestyle has resulted in mild sciatica, which can be just as painful as it is frustrating.
I have tried going to chiropractors, acupuncturists, and physical therapy and nothing has given me anything above temporary relief. Because I have not been able to afford consistent care through these methods, they are not valid proof of medical necessity to any insurance company. Daily use of over the counter pain relievers, such as Advil and Ibuprofen, have become a necessity which is only a danger to my body long term. Holistic methods such as heat pads, Epsom salt baths, and even CBD oils provide nothing but temporary relief from the discomfort. I need a long term solution, and this is my only option. It just comes down to being able to afford this surgery. I want to be able to live a comfortable, active life.
The Costs
All generous donations will go directly to medical costs. Surgeries can range anywhere from $5,000-$10,000 and I have been estimated for almost $8,000. Though I am saving money, this cost is a lot for any graduate student to foot by herself. I thank you for reading this and even considering donating to my cause.
The money raised will go directly to paying for the following:
-Pre-Surgery costs (consultation, exams, etc)
-Anesthesia
-Surgery
-Post-Surgical Garments (super cute bra I get to wear afterwards)
-Post Surgery care
-Other costs that may arise
Why not Insurance
Though I am currently covered by insurance, after totaling the costs and time it would take to prove medical necessity only to get my surgery partly covered, I would still need about $5,000 out of pocket. This would include paying for 8 weeks worth of physical therapy appointments, doctors visits for my referral examination, consultation, deductible for the surgery, and 20% of the total surgery cost. Most people trying to get breast reductions covered by insurance are denied the first time (and sometimes the second or third) and have to go through an appeal process that may or may not include more costs and stress like seeking out chiropractic care for an amount of time, a certain amount of weight loss, or the insurance company will force young women to wait until they have had their first child and have tried breastfeeding.
Why not take out a Loan
As you may already know, medical loans can cover plastic surgery costs. This is an option that I am saving as a last resort since I already have student loans on top of my own bills and helping support my family. Taking out a loan may seem like the easy option, but putting myself into debt like this would severely impact my financial stability, independence, and plans for the future.
How You Can Help
As all go fund me pages go, there are two ways you can help. Firstly, you can donate any amount to support my surgery financially. Every dollar counts, and even your consideration in helping me means so much. The other way you can help, whether you donate or not, is to share my donation page on your social media accounts or through text/email.
I am truly appreciative of any way you can support me and cannot wait to update you on all of my progress!
Organizer
Hannah Elliott
Organizer
Fort Collins, CO
