Hi, I'm Isabelle (legally Lara). I'm 20 years old, and I'm currently fighting a rare genetic bone disease called craniofacial polyostotic fibrous dysplasia.

I was born with it, but for most of my life, no one knew it was there. For years, I suffered from constant headaches and was repeatedly diagnosed with migraines. It wasn't until one doctor finally decided to request a CT scan that everything changed. That's when we discovered the dysplasia.

The dysplasia continues to grow, causing constant headaches, intense pain behind my eyes, blurred vision, memory problems, and sleepless nights where even strong pain medication barely helps. Because of where it's located, every day that passes without treatment increases the risk of permanently losing the vision and hearing.

Out of everything I'm facing, the thing that terrifies me the most isn't the surgery,it's the possibility of losing my eyesight.

I'm scared I won't be able to see my parents' faces, laugh with my friends, watch myself walk down the aisle in a wedding dress one day, a dream I've had for as long as I can remember, and I'm sure many girls will understand why that means so much. More than anything, I'm scared of not being able to see what lies ahead of me and the future I've always imagined.

As if that wasn't enough, the dysplasia also affected my thyroid and caused hypothyroidism. In just a few months, I went from 55 kg to 90 kg. I've always loved running, going on walks, and exercising, but suddenly even the smallest movement left me exhausted. My body changed so quickly that I barely recognized myself anymore, and it took a huge toll on both my physical and mental health.

I slowly stopped going out, isolated myself, pushed people away, and eventually had to start therapy to help me cope with everything. I still try to exercise whenever I can because being active has always been such an important part of who I am, but many days simply getting through the pain feels like an accomplishment.

Doctors have also found cysts on my thyroid, and we're currently monitoring them to make sure they aren't cancerous. Since my grandmother previously had thyroid cancer and had to have her thyroid removed, this has become another constant fear.

I tried relying on the public healthcare system, but the neurology appointment requested in August 2025 still hasn't even been scheduled while my condition continues to get worse. Because of this, I had no choice but to turn to private healthcare to finally move forward with surgery. Due to the complexity of my condition and the multiple areas affected by the dysplasia, the surgery and treatment costs are far beyond what my family and I can afford.

At 20 years old, I thought I'd be focused on university, making memories with my friends, and looking forward to my future. Instead, my life revolves around hospitals, medications, scans, pain, and the fear that every day I wait could mean losing a little more of my sight.

If you're able to donate, no matter how small the amount, you would be helping me get one step closer to the surgery that could save my vision and give me the chance to keep living the life I've always dreamed of. And if donating isn't possible, simply sharing my fundraiser could help it reach someone who can.

Thank you so much for taking the time to read my story. Every donation, every share, and every kind message gives me hope. From the bottom of my heart, thank you. ୨ৎ