Hi, my name is Jen. I’m a 36-year-old single mom, recently divorced, raising two beautiful young children while running my small salon business. I’m deeply passionate about helping others feel beautiful and empowered — inside and out.
What most people don’t know is that behind the scenes, I’ve been silently battling an invisible, painful health crisis.
I was recently diagnosed with an autoimmune disease triggered by a foreign, toxic substance in my body — specifically illegal silicone injections I unknowingly received nearly two decades ago.
At just 19, I was misled. I traveled to Mexico from Los Angeles with a group of coworkers — women I trusted — and we were told we’d be receiving safe hyaluronic acid injections (which the body naturally produces, labeling it safe) to lift our glutes and give us a perky appearance. (Oh, the sadness in my heart for this immature, naive, lacking in acceptance and confidence version of my younger self) 🙁 The procedure was marketed as quick and harmless. But it wasn’t.
It was illegal industrial-grade silicone. The kind of substance that could kill you, could travel to a main artery into the heart causing cardiac arrest. Could cause infections that lead to necrosis, leg amputation, or sudden death.
If you’re familiar with BII (Breast Implant Illness), it’s the same autoimmune response with identical symptoms.
For years I’ve experienced pain, inflammation, back spasms, and what I thought was lingering postpartum discomfort. But now, after multiple MRIs, I’ve learned the truth:
The silicone has migrated throughout my body, building scar tissue and pressing into my sciatic nerve — causing intense pain, swelling, numbness, and mobility issues. It has reached as far as my knee, calf, and ankle. I’m unable to exercise, sit comfortably, or care for my kids without constant discomfort.
This is not cosmetic. This is life-threatening.
I need emergency surgery by a specialized surgeon to remove the silicone before it causes permanent nerve damage, tissue necrosis, or worse. The procedure is not covered by insurance, and the total cost is over $40,000, not including post-op care or recovery.
I’m raising $50,000 to cover:
• Surgery and surgical travel
• Post-op out of state recovery care
• 4–6 weeks of healing without income
• Childcare and basic living expenses as I heal
I never imagined I’d be here — exhausted, in pain, and asking for help. But I believe in community and GODS MIGHTY KINGDOM. I believe in second chances. And I believe that sharing this story/ testimony of how God will see us through once again as he has my entire imperfect life.
I pray in sharing this vulnerable story / side of myself would bring awareness and also prevent other young women from going down the same road I did.
One thing that is so clear to me is that TRUE beauty isn’t external it’s internal! And it doesn’t cost you your life. Your heart, your mind, your soul, how you treat others and show up for them that’s what’s most valuable. Please believe this for yourself and say no to cosmetic surgery!
This is my fight for life. For my kids. For my purpose!
I told someone recently, I’d rather be here to tell the story myself to my kids of God’s everlasting love and faithfulness than for them to have someone tell them about who “their mother was”.
I refuse to believe that my story ends the way the enemy would have it. I confidently speak life into myself and victory over this battle through Jesus Christ my savior.
Lord, I pray that you take over this fundraiser and you see it through for yourself honor and glory. I promise to be a vessel for your kingdom and glory!
I thank you in advance and I ask you to use me, Father as a vessel for your Kingdom!. Save not only my life but restore faith in those that are wandering without you Lord, lost, afraid and weary.
If you can give — any amount helps, and from the bottom of my heart, THANK YOU!
If you can’t, please share.
Thank you for being part of this deeply personal, urgent journey.
With all my heart and soul,
Jen
