Michelle's medical expense fund
Donation protected
We are Becky and Steve Eldridge and our friend, Michelle Paixo Leeper, has recently had surgery on her spine to have tumors removed. Michelle suffers from a genetic disorder called Neurofibromatosis.
Neurofibromatosis is a genetic disorder that causes tumors to form on nerve tissue. These tumors can develop anywhere on the nervous system, including the brain, spinal cord and nerves.
Michelle has learned how to function with this disorder through various medical treatments, all the while working as a hair stylist. Recently, she was having problems with her balance, walking and losing feeling in her hands. An MRI was done and it was found that she had 3 tumors on her spine and needed surgery. Once the doctors got in there, they found 7 tumors (non-malignant) that were compressing her spinal cord. She was in surgery for 12 hours.
In recovery, the doctors weren't very optimistic that Michelle would be able to use her hands or even walk. They were afraid she would be quadrapelgic; however, through determination and strong will Michelle has regained some feeling in her hands and legs. She is currently in a rehabilitation facility learning to walk and use her hands so, hopefully, she'll be able to return to hair styling.
Because of the business she is in, Michelle does not receive any disability and is not sure how much of her medical costs will be covered under the limited insurance she has obtained. She's a single mother of two and is determined to get back to work and support her family.
The money raised will be put toward her living expenses and medical costs.
As her friends, we have seen her deal with this disorder with some help from family, but mostly through her determination to work in her occupation to stay off any type of assistance. We and Michelle, would be thankful for any donation you may be able to provide as well as prayers that she continue her path of recovery and regain her ability to walk and use her hands, so that she can return to work.
Neurofibromatosis is a genetic disorder that causes tumors to form on nerve tissue. These tumors can develop anywhere on the nervous system, including the brain, spinal cord and nerves.
Michelle has learned how to function with this disorder through various medical treatments, all the while working as a hair stylist. Recently, she was having problems with her balance, walking and losing feeling in her hands. An MRI was done and it was found that she had 3 tumors on her spine and needed surgery. Once the doctors got in there, they found 7 tumors (non-malignant) that were compressing her spinal cord. She was in surgery for 12 hours.
In recovery, the doctors weren't very optimistic that Michelle would be able to use her hands or even walk. They were afraid she would be quadrapelgic; however, through determination and strong will Michelle has regained some feeling in her hands and legs. She is currently in a rehabilitation facility learning to walk and use her hands so, hopefully, she'll be able to return to hair styling.
Because of the business she is in, Michelle does not receive any disability and is not sure how much of her medical costs will be covered under the limited insurance she has obtained. She's a single mother of two and is determined to get back to work and support her family.
The money raised will be put toward her living expenses and medical costs.
As her friends, we have seen her deal with this disorder with some help from family, but mostly through her determination to work in her occupation to stay off any type of assistance. We and Michelle, would be thankful for any donation you may be able to provide as well as prayers that she continue her path of recovery and regain her ability to walk and use her hands, so that she can return to work.
Organizer and beneficiary
Becky Haber Eldridge
Organizer
San Diego, CA
Michelle Paixo-Leeper
Beneficiary