Rhonda's Recovery Fund

UPDATE As of 11/17/2015: I had my two surgeries at Emory, in Atlanta, Ga. on July 31st and August 4th. One through my stomach and the other through my back. I am not allowed to bend, twist, lift more than 10 lbs, perform normal household tasks, and I must lay flat 20 out of 24 hrs a day. According to my team of doctors, I am unable to work for at least the next 8-10 months making me become as inactive as possible allowing the fusion to heal. I went to the doctor for a follow-up 11/9/2015 and discussed that there is a possibility we may have to begin injections and might need another surgery to remove the anchors from my hips. That is if the injections do not provide relief. I have currently found housing that allows me to live alone and independently but I am trying to find funding to help pay the costs of housing. The total rent for 12 months is $4,910. I had applied for disability and got denied for the 3rd time 10/25/2015. I have appealed the decision and I am currently waiting for another response. Until then, I am completely without any source of income and would be in need of any help I could receive from the community and friends. The more peope that share my page, the more likely I could receive more help throuh word of mouth. Anything is greatly appreciated.I will have a monthly cell phone bill ($40), monthly insurance payments (which I cannot cancel as it is the reason I am able to have the surgeries and medical attention at all) ($50), prescription medications, transportation to medical appointments, medical appointment and PT copays, and my basic necessities.
All of this change has been a bit overwhelming but I am finding myself and working toward experiencing true independence again. I am realizing that life is a journey and I am working to focus on myself and my health.













Friends, (Original Post, June 2015)

I want to begin by thanking the many of you who have reached out to me since my mom's death in April.  Many things have changed about my life since then and I wanted to update you all.

As many of you know, I am generally a very private person, but I'm learning that the only way I will be successful in this life is to not be alone, and to reach out for help and support.

For those of you who do not know, I was born with scoliosis, spinal stenosis, and degenerative disc disease.  This means that throughout my life my spine has changed shape.  The upper part of my spine had begun to curve on it's own, pushing my lungs into my heart.  The lower part of my spine had curved as well, and began pushing on my kidney.

In January 1999 I experienced my first spinal fusion at the age of 12 years old.  This surgery aimed to straighten the top of my spine and relieve the pressure on my lungs and heart.  Had we not found this problem, I would have had less than a year to live.  

In January and February 2008, my father and grandfather passed away.  As many of you know, I was very close to both of them.  They were devastating losses for me and changed me in indescribable ways.

In December 2009 I underwent two more surgeries.  These surgeries served to replace three discs in my spine, hollow out a section of my spinal column to make room for my spinal cord, and fuse the middle section of my spine.  These surgeries had many complications.  I lost the use of my left leg, lost sensation in my right leg, and had to learn how to walk again.  The recovery time for these surgeries was about 18 months.

In the summer of 2014 I was in a car accident, fracturing my L2 and L5 vertebrae.  I was forced into an emergecy surgery to fuse the lower part of my spine.  

In December 2014, I learned that the fusion from June had failed and there are currently 2 broken screws in my sacrum.  I also learned that my mom had terminal brain cancer.  This was her third bout with cancer, as she had survived breast and spine cancer.  

In April, after being a caretaker for my mother, she passed.  While we knew it was for the best for her, it left me basically alone and without family.  I had now lost both of my parents and grandparents.  

The day after my mother's funeral I was told I would no longer be able to live in the home I grew up in, effectively making me homeless.  That was a Thursday. On Friday I packed one bag and left the only home I had ever lived in.  Saturday, was my first full day in a shelter and coincidentally was my 29th birthday.  With the help of some wonderful friends, I have been able to find temporary housing and support through a few local resources.  

Here's how you can HELP:  I am writing this post to ask for your support.  Any contribution you make would be greatly appreciated and would be used to help me start my life over more independently, in a safe environment, and with the ability to heal and recover from my surgery. All shares of my page would be very helpful also!

Once I am back on my feet, literally and figuratively, I plan to return to the person I previously was, who loved being a caregiver to both children and the elderly and hope to be able to help others in need the same way that you would be supporting me here.  

In the absence of my parents, grandparents, and with little other family (I do not have aunts, uncles, or cousins), my friends serve as the family I have.

Thank you for your time and support and I hope we will be able to catch up via Facebook or phone throughout my lengthy recovery!

Please SHARE my Go Fund Me Link!

Thanks again!
Rhonda