Help Crystal Pay for Her Surgery!

Dragons. Werewolves. Basilisks.

These are just some of the fearsome creatures brought to life by Crystal Sully, a Colorado-based monster maker and artist who has lent her brush to Dungeons & Dragons, Wyrmwood, Dwarven Forge, and her own Untamed Beastiary.

But there's one terrifying monster that Crystal didn't create: the US healthcare system. Gasp! This week, that monster has decided to rear its ugly head in her direction. After an unexpected emergency gallbladder surgery, Crystal was left with a frighteningly high bill despite her already-expensive insurance coverage. Between ultrasounds, the procedure, and post-operative needs, this will cost around $5,000—with insurance.

Despite some hemming and hawing, Crystal has allowed me to set up this GoFundMe in her honor. Prior to working in tabletop, I worked as a clinic manager for a general surgery practice, and I can unfortunately say that it's common for insurance companies to cover as little as possible, even when it comes to urgent or even lifesaving procedures. One trip to the emergency room can lead to financial hardship or even bankruptcy, and it's at times like this that we rely on the support of friends, family, and generous strangers to help us move forward. Earlier this year, my nemesis, Mikaela Sims, set up a GoFundMe when I was in a similar position, and now I'm asking you to show the same love to Crystal.

In addition to being an incredible artist and pillar of the tabletop community, Crystal is a wonderful, kind person. Anyone who's had the pleasure of chatting with her for just a few minutes can testify to the warmth of her character and passion for creating. I could pull at your heart strings by attaching a picture of Crystal in the hospital, but out of respect for Crystal I've chosen to attach one of her awesome dragons at the bottom instead. So, you'll just have to picture a very sad but skilled artist who no longer has a gallbladder.

These funds will go directly to Crystal for the cost of her procedure. I'll set her up as the beneficiary shortly after this page goes live.

If you're unable to help financially, please consider sharing this GoFundMe page on social media, inviting other heroes to pledge their swords and coin purses.

You can find Crystal's epic work on her website at http://crystalsully.com/ .