Ash J

Hello! My name is Ash! I'm 38 years old and I have dealt with chronic, constant knee pain since the age of 17. I was diagnosed with arthritis a few years ago and have been working on getting my active life back together by working to fix my knees. Unfortunately, the problem is in both knees. I've already gotten four surgeries on my right knee and I've already gone through this procedure with it so I am well aware of what I'll need to do to recover and I'm already able to see the great things this surgery has done for my right knee. It is no longer in constant pain with dull throbbing that gets worse with activity. It is still healing, so there are growing pains, but it's worlds different than what it was before. I can walk without pain, I could run (if my left knee would play ball), and I can swim again! If I could get the same way with my left leg, I'd be golden! ✨ This procedure is called the MACI (Matrix-induced Autologous Chondrocyte Implantation). This procedure will be a two part surgery. This first surgery will be where they biopsy a healthy piece of cartilage from my left knee, the ln take that biopsy and grow it in a lab. Next is the second surgery where they will implant the biopsied cartilage into the damaged area of the knee where it will attached and replace the damaged cartilage over the course of a year or so. This fundraiser will cover the initial surgery so that I am not strapped with another $1000+ of medical debt (I am already $3500 in the hole from my last couple surgeries. I am disabled). I can't afford to pay off my current medical bills and add on another $1500. I appreciate every share and every donation. No donation is a small one! I appreciate every single one of you for helping me take my life back! Thank you!