Hello friends and family! My name is Leah Cho and I am writing this to ask for your help on behalf of a beloved family member; my Aunt Kathy. A little background on her and why she needs our help. Kathy Baer is a wonderful mother of two daughters and grandmother to 5 beautiful grandchildren, with whom she is very involved. A little over 32 years ago she suffered a horrific accident, a fall that would change her life forever. When her daughters were just 5 and 2 ½ years old, she fell down a flight of stairs, resulting in three herniated discs, several fractured vertebrae, and multiple annular tears. This would lead to a lifetime of nerve pain and has left her vulnerable to further injury. There were endless diagnostic tests and therapeutic procedures that ultimately provided little to no relief. After a failed spinal surgery, doctors at SpineCare attempted again to mend the damage done to her spine to preserve her mobility and quality of life. They did a multi-level spinal fusion, repaired 3 blown discs, and addressed severe spinal stenosis with bone spurs growing in the nerve root spaces in addition to many other repairs. In truth, it was a miracle that she could even walk. Luckily, the spinal fusion was a success and, with the help of pain management specialists, she has been able to live a relatively active lifestyle for the last 26 years. Though her functioning was not restored to its former glory and her pain was still moderate to high, she happily made the best of her circumstances with more grace than anyone could expect - up until recently, that is. For reasons unknown, her current doctor has decided to reduce the medications that allow her to live a full life with manageable pain. Not only has this provider cut her medications by 75% over the past few months, without offering any alternatives to manage pain and maintain mobility, he has done so at an irresponsible pace. Pain in her back, legs and feet that was once tolerable is now unbearable. Instead of a functional 5, her pain is now upwards of an 8 and higher on a daily basis. Her ability to stand and walk has been severely impacted and basic tasks such as getting dressed, meal prep, and household chores are nearly impossible because of the pain. Friends and family have graciously stepped in to help wherever they can. However, what she needs now is a folding powered wheelchair and a lift that would be installed to get the chair in and out of her car as she is unable to physically manage a regular wheelchair. In order to maintain her independence and ability to function, she will need a folding powered wheelchair, a battery lift for her car, a ramp installed at the entrance of her home, and possible changes within the house to make navigation a little easier. This will cost somewhere between $8,000 and $10,000. If she goes through her insurance it will take 6 months or more to get it approved and would still cost her a significant amount out of pocket. And friends, unfortunately, this cannot wait 6 more months. This is now an urgent situation. She is suffering daily and I can’t think of anyone more deserving of our kindness and compassion. There may be some hope yet at recovering some mobility in the future. There is a Spinal Cord Stimulator trial. Now that her pain is no longer tolerable, she is willing to try anything to be able to return to living a full and independent life. Though the outcome of the trial is uncertain and approval will take several months, we continue to hope that it could potentially bring significant relief. My Aunt Kathy is one of the most important people in my life. She never fails to amaze me with her warrior spirit, warm-hearted nature and endlessly-flowing compassion. She is a shining example of loving-kindness. My family and I would be eternally grateful for any contribution you’re able to make. And if you can’t, please, please, I implore you to share as much as possible. Additionally, I know my Aunt Kathy would very much appreciate any prayers you can spare. And even if you are not the praying type, please keep her in your thoughts. Thank you in advance for your consideration, compassion, and contributions.
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