Over the course of two years, Elora Harre underwent a massive weight-loss regime, documenting her meals and workouts for her 30,000 fans on her Facebook page The Shrinking Violet.
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The New Zealander shed 55 kilograms through a paleo diet and exercise, and despite losing the weight gradually, she has been left with an apron of excess skin on her stomach.
Though the excess skin causes her an ongoing staph infection and irritated navel, Harre was refused publicly-funded skin removal surgery in February this year, as Christchurch Hospital lacked the resources to operate on her.
Now, with the help of over 400 online donors, Harre is about to take the trip of a lifetime to the United States - but she is not going sightseeing.
Harre is travelling to Beverly Hills for a full frontal abdominoplasty.
Harre's story was picked up by global media, which lead to a Beverly Hills plastic surgeon donating her time.
Dr Cat Begovic was so moved by Harre's story that she offered to waive her usual $US8000 ($11,000) fee.
The operation will cost $US6800 ($9300) for hospital fees and aftercare, with the rest of the Givealittle money going towards flights and accommodation.
Harre was quoted $NZ24,000 ($21,000) for a private abdominoplasty in New Zealand.
Although the surgery will change her appearance, Harre says she could not care less about having a flat stomach.
As well as the staph infection - which can only be cured by skin removal - the excess skin gets in the way when she is exercising, and she is forced to tuck it into her clothes on a daily basis.
"Every day it gets in the way of me living a normal life. That's why it's so important to me to have this done."
Harre is leaving New Zealand on August 18, and the six-hour surgery will be performed the following Wednesday.
In the week before the surgery, she will undergo a range of tests including cardiac and psychological health tests.
Harre has been focussing on her health in preparation for the surgery, as she will have three weeks of recovery time before being able to fly home.
"I'm making sure I'm going to Crossfit five days a week at the moment. I'm going to need to have really strong legs and really strong arms because I'm not going to be able to engage my abdominal muscles very well after the surgery."
Her partner will be with her for one week before the surgery and two weeks of her recovery time, which Harre is paying for herself.
Despite the distance, she says the support she receives from her supporters will make all the difference.
"It'll be like having a taste of home when I'm over there. All my followers are so important to me, and everyone's so supportive and excited for me.
"People can come out of surgery and be quite emotional, people wonder if they've done the right thing but I know if I get down, they'll be there."
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