Amanda's Endometriosis Surgery

Hi, my name is Sarah and I'm fundraising for my sister, Amanda. Amanda has been battling endometriosis for many years and has had three surgeries and multiple hormonal treatments to try to alleviate her clinical signs. She now needs her fourth and most invasive surgery to date.

If you don't know, endometriosis occurs when tissue similar to the tissue lining the uterus grows in other areas of your body. This tissue changes throughout the menstrual cycle just like uterine tissue, and creates a chronic state of inflammation. Surrounding tissue becomes scarred and adheres to other tissues in the body, leading to pelvic tissues and organs becoming stuck together. The result is severe pain, fatigue and fertility issues. Surgery is sometimes performed to remove the abnormal tissue. If severe enough, removal of the uterus and/or ovaries as well as possibly resection of bowel or bladder, may be needed. This disease often remains undiagnosed for years and is very difficult to treat. It is not curable and women suffering from this disease usually battle it for life.

There are only five endometriosis specialists in the country. Though a number of other doctors may treat women with this condition, the more complicated cases, including Amanda, benefit from someone in this rare specialty as well as other specialists including pelvic floor specialist, gynecologist, colorectal surgeon, urologist, holistic doctor etc.

The closest endometriosis specialist to Amanda is in Atlanta, GA, so this is where she will be traveling for her care. She will have a team of medical professionals both in Atlanta and Richmond who will be caring for her over the next several months. The cost of this care including estimated travel expenses will be $30,000+ out of pocket. This cost is outside of most people's means without going into significant and potentially devastating debt.

Here is a breakdown of those anticipated costs: Center for endometriosis surgery $21,000, travel $2263.44, lodging $1635.23, pelvic floor therapy trigger point injections $3000, pelvic floor physical therapy $1565 for the first 8 sessions. There will be additional expenses for hospital fees, anesthesia, colorectal surgery, pelvic floor evaluation, and of course, loss of income for her 6-8 week recovery.

I am asking for you to consider giving whatever you can to reduce the stress and strain of facing these overwhelming medical bills so that she can focus on her recovery. Prayer is always needed and appreciated as well. Thank you so much for your generosity.