Help Katie Live Again

"This pain is unbearable, I can't live like this".

This is Katie. She’s 28 years old, and despite her warm and radiant smile, she has been living in unrelenting, excruciating -daily- pain for the past 5 years. She used to be outgoing, adventurous and sporty, used to enjoy dancing, eating well, working out and running, but these days can't do any of those without it taking a heavy toll on her body.

Katie suffers from a rare and debilitating condition called Nutcracker Syndrome—a vascular compression disorder caused by the left renal vein being trapped between the abdominal aorta and the superior mesenteric artery. This compression restricts blood flow from the left kidney, leading to relentless pain and other life-altering complications.

In 2019, Katie underwent open surgery through the NHS in hopes of relief. Tragically, this procedure only worsened her condition, leaving her in even greater pain. Since then, she has endured multiple failed treatments, including the insertion of a large stent, which not only didn’t help but caused severe internal scarring and additional agony.

But there is still hope.

A kind and highly skilled specialist has offered Katie a lifeline: a complex surgery designed to address the compression and resolve her pain. This is the procedure Katie needed from the very beginning, and it could finally give her the chance to live pain-free. However, due to complications from previous surgeries and treatments, this procedure could no longer be covered by insurance and now comes with an overwhelming cost of £50,000. This reflects the fact that there are just a few surgeons who can perform the required surgery.

Katie's determination and strength are incredible, but she needs the support of compassionate people to make this surgery a reality. Every single donation—no matter how small—brings Katie one step closer to living without pain. Even if you’re unable to donate, sharing her story could make all the difference, not just for Katie but also for raising awareness of Nutcracker Syndrome.

Together we can restore Katie's hope and give her her life back.

Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for your time and kindness.