For those of you that may not know, these past 12 months have been incredibly challenging and life altering for Tracy. In April of 2016, she suffered an abdominal wall injury that was initially diagnosed as an abdominal strain/potential hernia. Prior to this injury, Tracy was in excellent health, physically active, coaching middle school ultimate and training to become a spin class instructor.
Despite following her doctor’s recovery advice, Tracy's symptoms got progressively worse and debilitating - so much so, that as of May 2016, Tracy’s mom moved in, and continues to live with her to provide round-the-clock assistance. Lifting anything over 2lbs causes sharp, stabbing pain in her upper abdomen, and walking or sitting for longer than 10-15 min causes long-lasting pain that, at its worst, makes it difficult for her to speak. This pain occurs even though she is taking painkillers and anti-inflammatory medications (the highest amount that can be prescribed without causing damage to internal organs). She has a hospital bed on the main floor of her home and spends the majority of the day in a reclined position to take all pressure/strain off of her abdominal muscles. Using her arms puts such significant strain on her abdomen that Tracy is unable to prepare or even cut her own food and has to use lightweight utensils to eat.
Not one to take things lying down, Tracy has sought out many professionals to help find the solution to resolving her disabled state. She has tried Physio and Occupational therapy, Myofascial Release, Osteopathy, and Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy. Diagnostic tests including CT, ultrasound, X-Rays, and MRI along with examinations by her General Practitioner, Sports Medicine Doctors and a General Surgeon have so far been unable to identify the source of the problem. She has just been given a referral to the Pain Management Clinic (who has given her an estimated wait time of 10-12 more months for an appointment), and a recommendation from an Occupational Therapist to go on Long Term Disability and move in to an assisted care facility. Clearly, this is not acceptable.
Being the industrious person that she is, Tracy has spent countless hours researching solutions. This search led her to the Vincera Institute in Philadelphia – a cutting-edge medical center dedicated to diagnosing and treating core injuries. Tracy has been in contact with many people who had un-diagnosable core injuries, that found answers and healing after receiving treatment at the Vincera Institute. Tracy is confident that their leading specialist, Dr. Meyers, and his collaborative team equipped with the Institute’s advanced diagnostic tools and protocols will provide the knowledge and experience to treat her. She has been in contact with Dr. Meyer’s team and is able to be seen on May 1st of this year and have surgery (if deemed necessary) the following day. Tracy has been paying out of pocket for all of her treatments over the past year. Although she is able to cover travel to and from Philadelphia as well as the diagnostic tests and consultation fees, if surgery is needed (and we hope it is!) she’ll need your help. Surgical fees, subsequent rehab appointments, and accommodations in Philadelphia during the recovery phase quickly add up:
Surgery Facility Fee $3500USD
Doctor’s Surgery Fee $9500USD
Anesthesia/Painkillers $1000USD
Injection Fees $1800USD
Post-Op Physiotherapy $1000-3000USD (dependent on recovery time)
Accommodations $2000-5000USD (for Tracy and her caregiver for her estimated 6 week recovery time before being able to travel back home)
Tracy has applied to a local charity in Philadelphia that provides affordable accommodations for people traveling to the city for medical treatment, and she is continuously looking for ways to keep the expenses as low as possible - like any good Mennonite would : )
It is extremely difficult for Tracy to have to ask for help. Such a sudden loss of independence and having to completely rely on others for basic needs is a knock to one’s pride. Admitting to needing financial support on top of that is an additional test in humility. She wants you to know that she considers each and every penny of support towards her road to recovery to be a PRECIOUS, GENEROUS gift and is extremely grateful.
As with any health condition, early diagnosis and intervention improves a patient’s chance for a full recovery. As a year has already gone by – your help is URGENTLY needed!
If you can, please consider donating or spreading the word. Any amount would be most appreciated. Thank you so very much!
*IF surgery is not recommended, donations will be returned.
Despite following her doctor’s recovery advice, Tracy's symptoms got progressively worse and debilitating - so much so, that as of May 2016, Tracy’s mom moved in, and continues to live with her to provide round-the-clock assistance. Lifting anything over 2lbs causes sharp, stabbing pain in her upper abdomen, and walking or sitting for longer than 10-15 min causes long-lasting pain that, at its worst, makes it difficult for her to speak. This pain occurs even though she is taking painkillers and anti-inflammatory medications (the highest amount that can be prescribed without causing damage to internal organs). She has a hospital bed on the main floor of her home and spends the majority of the day in a reclined position to take all pressure/strain off of her abdominal muscles. Using her arms puts such significant strain on her abdomen that Tracy is unable to prepare or even cut her own food and has to use lightweight utensils to eat.
Not one to take things lying down, Tracy has sought out many professionals to help find the solution to resolving her disabled state. She has tried Physio and Occupational therapy, Myofascial Release, Osteopathy, and Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy. Diagnostic tests including CT, ultrasound, X-Rays, and MRI along with examinations by her General Practitioner, Sports Medicine Doctors and a General Surgeon have so far been unable to identify the source of the problem. She has just been given a referral to the Pain Management Clinic (who has given her an estimated wait time of 10-12 more months for an appointment), and a recommendation from an Occupational Therapist to go on Long Term Disability and move in to an assisted care facility. Clearly, this is not acceptable.
Being the industrious person that she is, Tracy has spent countless hours researching solutions. This search led her to the Vincera Institute in Philadelphia – a cutting-edge medical center dedicated to diagnosing and treating core injuries. Tracy has been in contact with many people who had un-diagnosable core injuries, that found answers and healing after receiving treatment at the Vincera Institute. Tracy is confident that their leading specialist, Dr. Meyers, and his collaborative team equipped with the Institute’s advanced diagnostic tools and protocols will provide the knowledge and experience to treat her. She has been in contact with Dr. Meyer’s team and is able to be seen on May 1st of this year and have surgery (if deemed necessary) the following day. Tracy has been paying out of pocket for all of her treatments over the past year. Although she is able to cover travel to and from Philadelphia as well as the diagnostic tests and consultation fees, if surgery is needed (and we hope it is!) she’ll need your help. Surgical fees, subsequent rehab appointments, and accommodations in Philadelphia during the recovery phase quickly add up:
Surgery Facility Fee $3500USD
Doctor’s Surgery Fee $9500USD
Anesthesia/Painkillers $1000USD
Injection Fees $1800USD
Post-Op Physiotherapy $1000-3000USD (dependent on recovery time)
Accommodations $2000-5000USD (for Tracy and her caregiver for her estimated 6 week recovery time before being able to travel back home)
Tracy has applied to a local charity in Philadelphia that provides affordable accommodations for people traveling to the city for medical treatment, and she is continuously looking for ways to keep the expenses as low as possible - like any good Mennonite would : )
It is extremely difficult for Tracy to have to ask for help. Such a sudden loss of independence and having to completely rely on others for basic needs is a knock to one’s pride. Admitting to needing financial support on top of that is an additional test in humility. She wants you to know that she considers each and every penny of support towards her road to recovery to be a PRECIOUS, GENEROUS gift and is extremely grateful.
As with any health condition, early diagnosis and intervention improves a patient’s chance for a full recovery. As a year has already gone by – your help is URGENTLY needed!
If you can, please consider donating or spreading the word. Any amount would be most appreciated. Thank you so very much!
*IF surgery is not recommended, donations will be returned.
Organizer and beneficiary
Tracy LeClair
Beneficiary