
Help Me Get A New Prosthetic Leg
My name is Danielle. I am 39 years old. A Mother of four. A keyholder and Hair Stylist for Sport Clips of Farmington. And for 25 years I have been an amputee. I was born with multiple orthopedic disabilities and spent my childhood in Shriners Hospital for Children having corrective surgeries. When I was 9 my leg was lengthened. When I was 14 my foot was amputated. When I was 36 I was told that the amputation had been too low and was severely damaging my back because there wasn't enough negative space for me to have a foot with an articulating ankle and actually made my right side longer. Which caused problems with my back. They decided it would be best to go back and amputate six more inches of my right leg. Despite the obsticals all of this has caused, I have continued to work full time as hard as I can at a very demanding job. Though allowances are made, it is still very trying. However, if I do not work, I do not survive. So, like pretty much everyone else, I have to. I have an amazing opportunity to improve my life like never has been offered before. A company by the name of Martin Bionics has offered to make me an amazing new prosthetic leg with brand new technology. This will ensure a level of comfort I have never had the luxury of experiencing before. It is lighter. Less bulk allowing for cooler temps. AND has a hydraulic foot. Finally, I would have an articulating ankle. My insurance will cover 80% of the cost of this new leg. Which leaves, 20% up to me. I would also have to travel from Missouri to Oklahoma City and stay for five days. Whereas my job is great and provides me the ability to have a roof, a car, and, food, there is little left to allow me to save for something like this. The 20% left to me is roughly $1,800.00. The hotel is about $70.00 a night. And then there is the travel expense. They have offered me a payment plan of $425.00 down and $60 a month to pay it off. Which, the $60.00 is very doable. However, coming up with the down payment, money for hotel and travel, and, then the loss of wages is extremely difficult for me. I was willing to take the time to save, as slow as that may be, until this morning. While I was at work, we had just opened, and, I was walking towards the front. There was a loud snap from my prosthetic, and I fell forward. My foot has broken off of my socket. The titanium clips that hold the foot to the keel of my prosthetic leg snapped completely off. It is currently being held together with duct tape. This makes it more than difficult to get around. I can't even get the local hospital to put a temporary fiberglass cast on it to get me by. This is devastating. This is the definition of hell for me. I have ways prided myself on my independence. If I can't walk, I can't work. If I can't work, I can't pay bills. If I can't pay bills, I can't survive. I am unmarried and do not have anyone to fall back on or ask for a loan. I have worked hard my whole life and taken care of myself and my children. Starting this GoFundMe was very difficult. I was prodded to do so by friends and volunteers from Martin Bionics. This leg will change my life and I was willing to be patient for it. But now with my prosthetic broken in half, I have no idea what to do. Whatever you are willing to do or give is more than appreciated. Thank you so much just for the consideration.