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Support for Kim's Ileostomy Surgery

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I am fundraising to help Kim Ariza. My sister and best friend.

In 2014, at the age of 15, Kim was diagnosed with Ulcerative Colitis and Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis. In a nutshell, UC is an inflammatory bowel disease affecting the colon and PSC is an autoimmune disorder that causes scarring and inflammation of the liver.

At the time of diagnosis, Kim was told she would need a liver transplant in 10-15 years. Additionally, the combination of PSC and UC increases Kim’s risk of colon cancer tenfold.

It’s been 9 years of living with these conditions and Kim has remained strong-willed, compassionate, and kind throughout the hardest of days.

On May 9th, Kim had her routine, yearly colonoscopy performed. Unfortunately, this time, they found a mass with pre-cancerous tissue in her colon and her doctor is concerned that there may already be underlying malignancies.

At this point, it is not a matter of if cancer develops, but a matter of when. Due to this new diagnosis, come July 13th, Kim will undergo surgery to remove her colon and create an ileostomy (a piece of the small intestine that is brought out onto the surface of the abdomen through which stool is eliminated). This is a multistep surgery and there will be more down the line, but we are taking things one day at a time.

This has been an emotional time for Kim and our family, but we are so grateful that the doctors caught this in time and Kim is in good spirits.

All proceeds of this fundraiser will go towards medical bills and rent payments as Kim will be out of work for a few months to recover from the surgery. Any help is appreciated and we’re so thankful for all the good energy and prayers people have already sent our way! #IBDAwareness
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Donations 

  • Anonymous
    • $500
    • 1 yr
  • Anonymous
    • $100
    • 1 yr
  • Taylor Nelson
    • $15
    • 1 yr
  • Marc Sanchez
    • $10
    • 1 yr
  • Clearisa Grimes
    • $25
    • 1 yr
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Fundraising team (2)

Elizabeth Ariza
Organizer
Oviedo, FL
Ysabel La Rocca
Team member

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