Help Erika Reclaim Her Health and Confidence

Hi there! My name is Erika Kantor, and I have embarked on an incredible weight loss journey over the past two years. Since I was about 10 years old, I have been overweight and bullied to the extreme. At 10 years old I was a child; I didn’t understand the impact this would have on me until I was about 13. It was at that time I was made extremely aware about myself and the mental and academic impact it made on me. I became incredibly depressed and as I entered high school it turned into suicidal ideations. As the years progressed it only got worse. In college I was at my largest of 318lbs and unbelievably miserable. Upon graduation, I decided enough was enough and I needed to change before my health declined even further than it already had. I am proud to say that I have successfully shed over 150 pounds over the last 26 months, but with this achievement comes a new challenge that I need your support with.

The excessive loose skin that remains after my weight loss has become a significant burden on both my mental and physical health. Despite being thrilled with my progress, the loose skin has caused me constant discomfort, recurring rashes, and mental health challenges. Unfortunately, the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) considers this a cosmetic issue rather than a health concern, leaving me with little to no coverage for the necessary procedures. OHIP will only cover a “panniculectomy” which is only covering a small dent of what needs to be done.

To address this issue and regain my well-being, I need to undergo a series of skin removal surgeries, which come at a significant cost of approximately $31,000, which is due in full in August 2024, with the scheduled surgical date of September 2024. As a recent college graduate, I have been working tirelessly, taking on three separate jobs to save up for these expenses. However, even with my dedication and hard work, the financial burden is proving to be overwhelming.

This is where your generosity and support can make a real difference. By contributing to this GoFundMe campaign, you can help me cover the out-of-pocket expenses for the skin removal surgeries. Your support will not only alleviate the financial strain but will also enable me to prioritize my health and overall well-being.

Your contribution goes beyond the physical—it's about restoring my confidence and allowing me to fully embrace the positive changes I've made in my life. By helping me address this issue, you will play a vital role in restoring my confidence. I am a 23 year old female stuck in the shell of a body I no longer want to be in nor recognize. With your help, I can finally put an end to the pain and discomfort caused by this excess skin, enabling me to live a healthier and happier life.

I am incredibly grateful for any support you can provide, whether it's through a donation or by sharing this campaign with others who might be willing to help. Together, we can make a tangible difference in my life and empower me to continue on my journey towards a healthier & happier future.

Thank you from the bottom of my heart for considering my story and being a part of my transformation. Your generosity and kindness mean the world to me. Any questions, please feel free to reach out to me, as well if you would like to see more of my before and after photos, I am absolutely willing to share.

Erika Kantor