Lizzy's Medical Expenses

After struggling with abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, weight loss, malnutrition, and dehydration since 2010, I was finally diagnosed with Crohn's Disease in the spring of 2012. Crohn's Disease is a chronic inflammatory disease of the gastrointestinal tract which causes the body's immune system to mistakenly attack healthy tissue anywhere between the mouth and rectum. Though there is no cure for Crohn's Disease, I had been able to somewhat manage my symptoms for the past three years with the help of antibiotics, anti-inflammatory drugs, and immunosuppressive IV therapy. Unfortunately, after only ten months of IV therapy, my body formed antibodies to the treatment, meaning the treatment would no longer be effective in managing my disease. Over the past three months, damaging inflammation began to increase, causing scar tissue or "fibrosis" to form in a portion of my small intestine. This fibrosis thickens the muscle wall of the intestine, resulting in decreased mobility, causing increased pain and decreased absorption of essential nutrients. The only effective treatment for this condition is surgical removal of the damaged portion of intestine.

On Friday, January 22, 2016, I will head into the operating room at Crouse Hospital in Syracuse, under the care of Dr. Brian Anderson, with the hope of alleviating my chronic pain by surgically repairing and/or removing the damaged portion of my small intestine. This procedure will, unfortunately, render me disabled from work for several weeks to recover. The goal of this fundraiser is to help out with insurance deductibles, out of pocket prescriptions, travel expenses, and to ease the financial struggle of being out of work for an extended period of time. Extra prayers or donations in any amount are greatly appreciated!