Kathryn Faries Phillips

October 13, 2026 | An Important Update on My Surgery Today, I finally received some answers about the financial cost of my upcoming jaw surgery, and I’ll admit, the number was overwhelming. $24,502. That is the estimated cost of the surgical procedure alone. It does not include anesthesia or any additional expenses or complications that could arise. And the hardest part? We still don’t know what my insurance companies are going to cover, if anything. My surgeon is out of network, and we’re still navigating the insurance process. Until those decisions are made, I have to prepare for the possibility of being responsible for a substantial portion of these expenses. After three years of searching for someone who could help me, I finally found a surgeon willing to take on this complicated procedure. My right jaw replacement is failing, abnormal bone growth has attached it to my skull, and my left jaw joint is deteriorating. Every day I wait is another day of pain, limited jaw movement, and relying on blended soups and shakes because I can no longer eat normal meals. I’ve increased my fundraising goal to $30,000. This amount reflects the surgical estimate I’ve received, along with some room for additional medical expenses that haven’t been calculated yet. If insurance covers part of the procedure, I will update everyone as I receive that information. My surgery is expected sometime in the spring of 2027, giving me several months to try to raise the funds I may need. I never imagined I’d be in a position where I would have to ask others to help me afford a surgery that could give me back something as simple as opening my mouth, eating a meal, or speaking without so much pain. But here I am. To everyone who has donated, shared my fundraiser, offered encouragement, or helped me along the way, thank you from the bottom of my heart. I know times are difficult for so many people. I’m not asking anyone to give more than they can afford. Even $5 or $10 brings me one step closer. And if you can’t donate, sharing my story means just as much. I still have a long road ahead of me, but I’m holding on to the hope that I can make this surgery happen. Thank you for walking this road with me. ❤️

Here are the first denials. I am waiting for the assistant to get codes for my injection. Then I will post that as well. This is just the start of the process. Good news is I only owe 104.20 for my MRI since it was billed through the actual hospital. So that’s a gain. My blender is on the quits / I’m not sure how many more meals it’s gonna make. So that’s a must soon! It just keeps coming.

Imagine losing the ability to open your mouth. Something most people do without a second thought has become a daily struggle for me. My name is Kathryn, and I’m fighting for the chance to open my mouth, eat normally, and live with less pain again. In 1993, a devastating car accident crushed my face and changed my life forever. I underwent extensive facial reconstruction, and eventually, my right jaw joint was replaced with an artificial prosthesis. More than 20 years later, that replacement joint is failing. To make matters worse, I’ve developed a condition called ankylosis. Abnormal bone has grown around my replacement joint, attaching it to my skull and severely restricting my ability to open my mouth. My natural left jaw joint has also deteriorated. Today, I can barely open my mouth. I can’t enjoy a normal meal. Yawning, talking, smiling, and even basic dental care have become painful challenges. I rely on blended soups, smoothies, and nutritional drinks because chewing is no longer something my jaw can manage. After three years of searching for a surgeon willing and able to take on my complicated case, I finally found someone who believes he can help. My upcoming surgery will involve replacing my failing right jaw prosthesis with a custom-made joint, removing the abnormal bone attached to my skull, and using tissue from my abdomen to help prevent the bone from growing back. My left jaw will also require surgery in an effort to preserve the natural joint. But now I’m facing another enormous obstacle: the cost. My surgeon has estimated $24,502 for the procedure alone. That estimate doesn’t include every additional expense, including anesthesia and the specialist needed to remove the bone attached to my skull. I’m still waiting for answers from my insurance companies about what they will cover. Until those decisions are made, I have to prepare for the possibility of substantial out-of-pocket expenses. Living on disability, I simply cannot afford these costs on my own. Donations will help with surgical expenses, medical bills related to this procedure, prescriptions, recovery supplies, transportation, follow-up care, and the special liquid nutrition I need before and after surgery. I’m not asking for a miracle. I’m asking for a chance. A chance to sit down and enjoy a meal with my family. A chance to yawn without fear of excruciating pain. A chance to speak, smile, and open my mouth without constantly thinking about how much it’s going to hurt. A chance to reclaim some of the everyday freedoms I’ve slowly lost. I know times are difficult for so many people, and asking for financial help is not something that comes easily to me. But even a $5 or $10 donation can help move me closer to my goal. And if donating isn’t possible, sharing my story could help it reach someone who can. Thank you for taking the time to read my story and for helping me fight to open my mouth again.