Help Me Fund My Chest Surgery

Hello everyone, Allow me to introduce myself;

My name is Andres, I am 16 years old and I was born with a congenital deformity of the chest also known as Pectus excavatum.

The reason why I am reaching out for help through the internet is because my family has always neglected the idea that I truly have a medical condition and believe that "It's all in my head".

I recently put together enough money for a private doctor consultation (A well renowned surgeon specialized in Pectus excavatum) Where I was examined, and told that I have a moderately-severe case of pectus. I was told that the chest deformity has displaced my heart slightly and puts pressure on my lungs, causing me to have to take short, shallow breaths and work more for my air.

This deformity has put a burden on my everyday life. I first noticed my pectus when I hit my growth spurt around the age of 12 or 13. It began to affect me cosmetically and then physically. I play basketball VERY often for several hours at a time and it has made me weak cardio wise. It limits me from playing my favorite sports and causes me to reach early fatigue. I am willing to give up my favorite sport for this surgery because I KNOW the pain and suffering will be well worth the outcome.

I have taken matters into my own hands and I'm doing everything possible in order to get this surgery done. With careful calculations, insurance coverage, and recovery time I have calculated that the December Break of 2012 OR Summer of 2013 will be the perfect opportunities to get this surgery completed. 

The surgery itself excluding insurance coverage is around $3000 but this does not include post-op med's or hospital care which are in most cases guaranteed to be needed. For this reason I have allowed Over-funding in order to gather as much possible. This whole year I will be volunteering at a children's hospital and focusing on my studies to reach my ultimate life goal: Becoming An Orthopedic Surgeon.

Although I must admit that I can never thank you enough for all the support you have given me- You truly have CHANGED my life. Thank you ever so much.

Like Jackie Joyner-Kersee once said; Age is no barrier. It's a limitation you put on your mind.