Help Roisin fund life changing Lipoedema Surgery

Hi I’m Chloe and I’m fundraising for my bestfriend Roisin. Roisin was diagnosed when she was 24 (last year)

Roisin found her diagnosis to be time consuming, expensive and traumatic. Roisin is stage 3 (out of 4).

Roisin discovered that she may have lipoedema after a family member had been diagnosed, which then started her journey.

She then approached her GP about options, but she knew nothing about it. The GP referred Roisin to a someone who knew more. That GP was not accepting new patients. Roisin currently have no medical support system.

Her legs are the most affected. They are sore and heavy every day, regardless of how much exercise she does or doesn’t do, what she eats, etc. Any touch to affected areas is painful for her.

There is no known cause for lipoedema, but we know genetics likely plays a part as it can be hereditary. There is also no cure.

How ever, this is where the reason for this Go Fund Me comes in!
MANAGEMENT & SURGERY

Conservative measures such as wearing daily compressions garments, manual lymphatic drainage massage and specialist massages, are available but these are of significant financial cost.

This will not get rid of lipoedema, but may help with pain and discomfort.

The only thing that will get rid of diseased fat is surgery.

Lipoedema may grow back after surgery.

Lipoedema surgery is NOT a cosmetic surgery. It is medically necessary.

COST OF SURGERY

$20,000+ per surgery.

$150,000+ total for my requirements.

This is more than twice Roisin’s annual income.

ROISIN’S SURGERIES

Roisin has been quoted in Australia for $16,500 per surgery. However, she is also required to purchase compression garments, have numerous specialist massages, see a psychologist, and other specialists.

Due to the severity of Roisin’s lipoedema, her legs alone will need 4-5 surgeries. Her arms will need at least 2. Her hips and buttocks will need at least 1.

She is looking at roughly 8 surgeries. That is $132,000 that she has to fund, not including compulsory conservative measures pre-surgery, and other extras, which would add an estimated $20,000+ on to her total costs.

Very few surgeons in Australia perform lipoedema removal surgery - this is one of the cheapest quotes. (Another quote Roisin received was $30,000+ per surgery. Requiring the same amount of surgeries, not including extras).

Roisin cannot afford this.

HEALTH CARE

Lipoedema is NOT covered by Medicare. It is not supported by private health insurance.

Lipoedema was only recognised by the World Health Organisation in 2018.

Many doctors and healthcare professionals dismiss lipoedema as obesity, and/or lymphoedema.

There is a substantial lack of knowledge in the medical world about lipoedema. (in addition to medical fatphobia).

AWARENESS
Roisin is very passionate about awareness and advocacy.

We need:

* More diagnoses

* Health professionals awareness and training

* More push from doctors, politicians and advocates, everyone (you included!) to get lipoedema surgery and treatment covered by Medicare