Help Kate get another new jaw and her life back.

After over 7 years of jaw issues caused by a rare connective tissue disorder Kate needs a second jaw joint replacement costing over 96k NZD which is not covered by the public health system and is only partially covered by health insurance.

What began as a sore jaw turned into daily dislocations, severe pain, weekly emergency department visits, tests and specialists. A genetic connective tissue disorder known as Ehlers Danlos Syndrome has meant that her jaw has deteriorated severely, impacting her physical and mental health. It has left her unable to chew and fed through a nasal feeding tube, unable to work, and in pain with the slightest movement- despite over 10 surgeries including a total joint replacement on the right side (which was possible by incredible donors) Kates left jaw joint is considered end stage and there is no option but for Kate to have her left TMJ replaced- a surgery which is not covered by the public health system and does not come cheap. Kate has been very fortunate that her health insurance is willing to cover up to 60k of expenses for the surgery. That leaves Kate with a bill of $36k in order to return to a life without constant pain, feeding tubes and a broken jaw.

After the surgery, Kate hopes to return to teaching dance, mental health advocacy work, returning to study in the medical field and living a life without a broken jaw. Kate hopes to continue advocating for change within the NZ health system around TMJ disorders and treatment options.

Please see my previous Givealittle page here: https://givealittle.co.nz/cause/i-need-another-new-jaw