Andrea needs your help.

As the saying goes, “When it rains, it pours”. All of us can relate to times when life events are overwhelming and difficult to manage. What do you do when it just keeps pouring?

As many of you know, my daughter, Andrea, and I are very close. After years of dealing with the stress of difficult-to-diagnose abdominal pain, Andrea is now faced with ongoing medical bills that she is struggling to pay. I am asking you to join me in showing her there are people who care and are willing to help shoulder her financial burden.

Here is her story:

Since 2016 Andrea has had lower pelvic pain. She has gone to many doctors and had many tests. Initially, she was told there was nothing to worry about, even though she explained that her mother has a history of an ovarian tumor and breast cancer. The pain was always there. There were times Andrea did not have insurance or employment, and that made it difficult for her to get help.

Finally, in 2018, Andrea got a job with good insurance. By this point, she had gained 20 lbs, and the pain reared its head again. In April 2019, the doctor ordered thyroid and metabolic panel screening. Tests were “within range”, and Andrea was told to just exercise and diet.

Between April and June 2019, Andrea gained more weight, and the pain in her pelvis worsened. She had the same tests done again and got the same answers.

In 2020, Andrea went to Planned Parenthood. She finally got a diagnosis of PCOS (Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome). This is when the billing started.

This was a very difficult time for Andrea. Because of the high cost of living in Boston, she has been living paycheck to paycheck, as many of us are. It has discouraged her from seeking health care. Her pain has continued to get worse, with no definitive answers from various medical practitioners/institutions. Long story short, here she is seven years later still being tested (lab work and scans), and the bills continue to come in.

Not only is her physical health suffering. Her mental health is, too. I’m doing this fundraiser for Andrea so that she can continue receiving the medical care she needs.

Below are Andrea's current 2023 bills. Until she meets her deductible, she will have similar bloodwork/endocrinologist bills every 3 months (her next appointment is August 1st). These are on top of the past-due bills from 2020 - 2022.