In the past 14 years, my dear friend Ronni Allen has been suffering silently from endometriosis, a complex and often debilitating disease that causes tissue to grow outside of the reproductive organs. Mistakenly labeled as “painful periods” by medical professionals, and even positioned as a figment of her imagination, it wasn’t until an incredibly trying and unsuccessful fertility journey that the diagnosis, and the severity, of Ronni’s healthcare issues became clear.
Stage 4 endometriosis.
Because of the lack of care from several medical teams, endometriosis has spread throughout Ronni’s reproductive system—from her right ovary to her left, from her bladder and to her uterus.
Endometriosis has impacted Ronni’s life in so many ways—devastatingly with her fertility but also her ability to experience and enjoy life on a day-to-day basis. Because of her condition, Ronni is unable to run, jump, or even walk for a period of time without being in extreme pain. And while she goes to her studio, Nashville Pilates Company, nearly every single day of the week to support her clients with their emotional and physical well-being, the hard truth is that she hasn’t been well.
Ronni is scheduled to undergo a 3-4 hour surgery later this fall to dissect and remove the endometriosis in her ovaries, and based on further examination in the surgery, potentially have an even more intense surgery done in any affected areas found in her bladder and bowel. Research finds expert excision performed by a skilled specialist results in the removal of the disease, preserved fertility, and little to no endometriosis pain, along with preventing further progression, possible organ fusion or dysfunction and/or other serious complications. In other words, this surgery will improve Ronni’s quality of life tremendously.
I am raising funds to help support Ronni during this very emotionally and physically stressful time, through transportation, lodging, medical and recovery expenses. The initial goal of this fundraiser is to raise $40,000 so that Ronni can get the help she needs without the financial strain.**
For now, Ronni’s costs include:
- Hotel Bills – $875
- Hospital stay – $100,000
- Endometriosis Specialist: $14,500
- Anesthesiologist: $3225
- Pathologist fees: $2000
- Pre and post op imaging: $1000
Ronni’s doctor predicts that it will take her at least two weeks to recover if there are no complications—and if there are complications, her recovery could take up to four months. Her husband Kyle will be her primary caregiver during this recovery time, in addition to supporting Ronni with the ongoing maintenance of her pilates studio, such as cleaning the studio and laundry, machine upkeep—all on top of his own job. Even on top of this care, Ronni will still be needing to do administrative tasks for her studio while she’s on bedrest.
During this post-surgery time, there will be additional unmeasured costs that will arise, from post-op recovery to lost income as Ronni will be on bedrest in painful recovery and not be able to work.
Ronni has been an incredible, caring and selfless person to so many. Please help support her and Kyle as she will need the love, caring and consideration that she provides to others every day.
In friendship, community and love.
Adrianne
**These funds are being raised through Givetaxfree.org, and all donors will receive a tax form to write off the donation as a charitable donation.