Skin removal surgery after 325lb weight loss

Dear friends, family, and compassionate supporters, Against all odds, my son, Mathew Rhodes, has triumphed over tremendous challenges in his life, including childhood trauma, addiction, and physical hardships. His journey is a testament to his determined spirit, and I could not be prouder or more grateful for the grace of God that guided him through it all. Mathew is 32 and in December of 2021, he began his weight loss journey when he had gastric sleeve surgery. He struggled with his weight for most of his life and weighed his heaviest in November of 2021 at 545 pounds. He has lost a total of 325 pounds and, as of June 2023, weighs 220 pounds. Despite Mathew's incredible weight loss achievement, he faces a new obstacle—massive excess skin that poses physical and emotional burdens. We estimate the weight of his extra skin to be 25-30 lbs. Insurance does not cover the surgery required to remove this extra skin. As you can imagine, the massive amount of hanging skin affects Mathew's quality of life and self-esteem. The weight loss journey that brought him so much hope and joy has left him with a reminder of his past that he desperately seeks to overcome. We have consulted with surgeons in the United States and Mexico, and the estimated cost of the surgeries and associated expenses total well over $35,000. The procedures are considered cosmetic, so Mathew's insurance will not cover the cost. Unfortunately, I do not have the means, nor does Mathew, to pay that amount out of pocket. We seek your support to help Mathew undergo the necessary surgeries to remove the excess skin and allow him to live a life free from this burden. We have scheduled a consultation with Dr. Bernard Shuster, a highly regarded and experienced surgeon in Hollywood, Florida, for July 11th to discuss details and the next steps. This surgery will improve Mathew's confidence and well-being and give him hope for a more normal life in the future. My son is a servant leader with a compassionate heart. He does important work as a peer specialist for a non-profit organization. His role involves empowering pregnant and parenting women who struggle with substance abuse, to achieve stability and positive outcomes for themselves and their children. Requesting donations is not easy to do, but we are turning to our family, friends, community, and compassionate individuals, who believe in the power of transformation and want to support Mathew's journey. We know that times are challenging, and not everyone can contribute financially, but we truly appreciate your support and prayers and ask that you share Mathew's story with your network to amplify our reach and increase the chances of reaching our goal. Donations will directly fund the surgical procedure and assist in covering a portion of Mathew's living expenses during his recovery period. Every prayer, kind word, and shared post will create a ripple effect, enabling us to provide the necessary support for Mathew's surgical procedure. With heartfelt gratitude, Rachel Lehman