Help Our Sister Get Skin Removal Surgery

Hello, thank you all for taking a moment to read and check out our sister's story.

This is our sister, Maria, she's 34 years old. She is beautiful inside and out. She is the most caring person you'll ever meet; she's kind, loving and has so much passion for life.

She also lives in constant pain.

Over the course of the past few years, she worked incredibly hard and managed to lose over 140lbs, without the use of any medical help. She did it on her own. 140lbs. She lost a whole other person’s worth of weight. Think about the effort that would take. Don’t get us wrong, Maria is also doing her part. She works hard everyday at maintaining a healthy diet and exercising to the best of her abilities; as much as her body will allow her to push it.

But now she does need help. With the amount of weight she lost, she developed what is called an "apron" belly.

The "apron” that she has, sits heavy over her thighs, causing friction between her skin, which always results in severe, painful and raw rashes. It also causes nerve pain which results in her feet falling asleep while she stands still or even going numb all together. It causes her extreme lower back and hip pain, as it pulls heavily in front of her body.

She can’t exercise or move around like she wants to, as it is simply too painful.

She can't even go for a bike ride, it's out of the question as the "apron" sits so awkwardly and heavily on her thighs. Even walking long distances or hiking is extremely difficult. She tries but can't enjoy it like a normal person who doesn't have this "apron".

So what is an “apron”? It is medically known as a pannus stomach or an abdominal pannus. This skin flap can appear after pregnancy, during menopause, or from significant weight loss.

After going to over five doctors here in Ontario, our sister was turned away and told that they would not help her unless she weighed an unrealistic and dangerous weight. Treating her and looking at her with disapproval and disgust, and ultimately denying her any kind of help.

After weeks of research, she found a doctor in Springfield, Arizona. This doctor specializes in the type of surgery that she'll need in order to remove this crippling "apron" belly. This where we need your help dear readers, as the cost for this surgery is more than Maria can afford. More than any of us can afford. This doctor is renowned all over the U.S and Canada. His work and skill are unmatched, his care for his patients is also very unique. He won’t be just shipping her back home with some to go instructions; you see, not only will Maria be getting surgery from him but he and his team will oversee all of her aftercare. She’ll have to stay in Arizona, close to the doctor for about a month. You can imagine the cost of all this. That’s why we’re asking for your help.

Anyone donating will be forever appreciated by Maria and her family. You will be instrumental in her journey to full body freedom.

So as her siblings, we're reaching out to all of you in hopes that we can raise the money. In doing so, she can finally have the lifestyle she wants and very much deserves. ♡

Thank you again for taking the time and for your donations.