Donation protected
Karolina Wisniewska (Karo) is a retired Canadian Paralympic athlete who won multiple Paralympic and World Cup medals in alpine skiing.
Karolina has been struggling with debilitating back pain for over a year. While waiting to be referred to a specialist, she sought the care of physiotherapists, osteopaths, and chiropractors; but none were able to help. For the first time in her life, Karo had to use a cane in order to get around. Soon after, even that became too excruciating.
Karolina’s symptoms include nerve pain in her left leg that makes walking, standing, and even sleeping unbearable. While she waited to try cortisone injections to treat the pain, she was prescribed various powerful drugs. Unfortunately, these medications did not diminish her torment and came with many side effects. A CT scan was performed and showed that Karolina is in need of a spinal fusion (L3/L4) before any more nerve damage is done. Scared but relieved Karo was counting the days to the earliest available meeting with a surgeon.
Months later, at the meeting with the surgeon, Karolina was informed that she would have to wait another four to seven months for the operation. Having lived with the pain for over a year, this news was devastating. Karo knew she couldn’t live any longer with this level of pain and immobility.
Her family and friends mobilized to see what other options might be available. After an effort that spanned two continents, a leading European hospital was chosen: Sanatorium Kettenbrücke in Innsbruck, Austria. This hospital takes a holistic approach to spine health and surgery.
Karolina is currently in Austria recovering from the surgery which took place on Friday, July 1st (Canada Day!) The cost of the surgery in Austria is much less than in comparable private clinics in North America. Yet the price of the surgery, rehabilitation, and travel for Karo is significant. Our aim is to raise $70,000.00 CAD to offset Karo’s costs.
Should you be able and willing, we would be very grateful for any contribution you can make.
With many thanks and much gratitude from Karolina’s family.
Bozenna, Witek, Weronika, John, Maya, Jack and Luke.
Karolina has been struggling with debilitating back pain for over a year. While waiting to be referred to a specialist, she sought the care of physiotherapists, osteopaths, and chiropractors; but none were able to help. For the first time in her life, Karo had to use a cane in order to get around. Soon after, even that became too excruciating.
Karolina’s symptoms include nerve pain in her left leg that makes walking, standing, and even sleeping unbearable. While she waited to try cortisone injections to treat the pain, she was prescribed various powerful drugs. Unfortunately, these medications did not diminish her torment and came with many side effects. A CT scan was performed and showed that Karolina is in need of a spinal fusion (L3/L4) before any more nerve damage is done. Scared but relieved Karo was counting the days to the earliest available meeting with a surgeon.
Months later, at the meeting with the surgeon, Karolina was informed that she would have to wait another four to seven months for the operation. Having lived with the pain for over a year, this news was devastating. Karo knew she couldn’t live any longer with this level of pain and immobility.
Her family and friends mobilized to see what other options might be available. After an effort that spanned two continents, a leading European hospital was chosen: Sanatorium Kettenbrücke in Innsbruck, Austria. This hospital takes a holistic approach to spine health and surgery.
Karolina is currently in Austria recovering from the surgery which took place on Friday, July 1st (Canada Day!) The cost of the surgery in Austria is much less than in comparable private clinics in North America. Yet the price of the surgery, rehabilitation, and travel for Karo is significant. Our aim is to raise $70,000.00 CAD to offset Karo’s costs.
Should you be able and willing, we would be very grateful for any contribution you can make.
With many thanks and much gratitude from Karolina’s family.
Bozenna, Witek, Weronika, John, Maya, Jack and Luke.
Organizer and beneficiary
Bozenna Wisniewska
Organizer
Gatineau, QC
Karolina Wisniewska
Beneficiary