The Pickett's Medical Emergency
Donation protected
Who we are: Melodie and John Pickett.
We are empty nesters who have worked for social justice across the country while raising two beautiful daughters. After our daughters left home, we returned to graduate school at Texas Woman’s University to begin another chapter in our lives together. Since 2009 we have taught political science and history at the college level in an effort to promote civic responsibility and understanding.
Why we need your help:
Since 2008 we have dealt with one health crisis after another. In 2008 John had cataract surgery on both eyes and over the next couple of years suffered a detached retina detached two different times in each eye which required six eye surgeries. Complications from one of the surgeries left me legally blind in my left eye. In 2010 I had a cervical fusion of two vertebrae in my neck due to a compressed spinal cord. This had to be done again a few years later due to the development of a bone spur pressing on my spinal cord. Due to these eye and neck issues I have only been able to continue teaching online part time.
Melodie has taught a full load at Tarleton State University for the last 3 years. However, she has several health issues as well. She had to have half of her thyroid removed several years ago and has dealt with thyroid associated complications. Additionally, she suffers from Fibromyalgia, Chronic Fatigue, Chronic Migraines, Depression, and Anxiety, as well as back and neck problems. Since December of last year, Melodie has been unable to return to work and is currently on Family & Medical Leave.
We have spent a lot of time lately going to specialists for these problems. After MRIs, EMGs, and various other costly tests, it has been determined that both of us have progressive and severe spinal stenosis and pinched nerves in our neck and lower backs. John’s condition causes frequent falls, which the doctor has indicated could cause him to become paralyzed. We have each been scheduled for neck surgery in the next few weeks. Melodie may have to have additional surgery on her lower back. She may be unavle to return to her teaching position.
These health issues have caused some financial difficulties. To cope with the tightening situation we have had utilize payday loans. We have also put off other health and dental necessities. Our financial situation may require us to postpone or cancel these surgeries altogether.
Any financial help that you can provide will be greatly appreciated and will help us to have the surgeries, subsequent physical therapy, and associated costs.
We are empty nesters who have worked for social justice across the country while raising two beautiful daughters. After our daughters left home, we returned to graduate school at Texas Woman’s University to begin another chapter in our lives together. Since 2009 we have taught political science and history at the college level in an effort to promote civic responsibility and understanding.
Why we need your help:
Since 2008 we have dealt with one health crisis after another. In 2008 John had cataract surgery on both eyes and over the next couple of years suffered a detached retina detached two different times in each eye which required six eye surgeries. Complications from one of the surgeries left me legally blind in my left eye. In 2010 I had a cervical fusion of two vertebrae in my neck due to a compressed spinal cord. This had to be done again a few years later due to the development of a bone spur pressing on my spinal cord. Due to these eye and neck issues I have only been able to continue teaching online part time.
Melodie has taught a full load at Tarleton State University for the last 3 years. However, she has several health issues as well. She had to have half of her thyroid removed several years ago and has dealt with thyroid associated complications. Additionally, she suffers from Fibromyalgia, Chronic Fatigue, Chronic Migraines, Depression, and Anxiety, as well as back and neck problems. Since December of last year, Melodie has been unable to return to work and is currently on Family & Medical Leave.
We have spent a lot of time lately going to specialists for these problems. After MRIs, EMGs, and various other costly tests, it has been determined that both of us have progressive and severe spinal stenosis and pinched nerves in our neck and lower backs. John’s condition causes frequent falls, which the doctor has indicated could cause him to become paralyzed. We have each been scheduled for neck surgery in the next few weeks. Melodie may have to have additional surgery on her lower back. She may be unavle to return to her teaching position.
These health issues have caused some financial difficulties. To cope with the tightening situation we have had utilize payday loans. We have also put off other health and dental necessities. Our financial situation may require us to postpone or cancel these surgeries altogether.
Any financial help that you can provide will be greatly appreciated and will help us to have the surgeries, subsequent physical therapy, and associated costs.
Organizer
John Miller Pickett
Organizer
Stephenville, TX
