A New Challenge for Lyndsay

This is my beautiful daughter Lyndsay. She is 12 years old and was born a healthy, happy little girl. She was reaching milestones above and beyond what was expected but that abruptly came to an end. In August of 2001, she was injured in a collision with a drunk driver; leaving her with damage to her brain (known commonly as Traumatic Brain Injury or TBI). The damage to her cerebellum, which controls her gross and fine motor skills as well as her speech, has made controlled muscle movements very challenging. Lyndsay uses a wheelchair and doctors believed that she would never walk; however, Lyndsay has defied the odds and learned to use a walker for short distances. Over time, in part because of her inability to control her muscles, Lyndsay has developed a very severe and very rare form of scoliosis.
Lyndsay's has what is called a double major curved scoliosis. Double major curve describes a Scoliosis in which there are two structural curves which are usually of equal size; however, in Lyndsay's case they are not. Lyndsay has a severely twisted curve noticeable in the area of her right shoulder blade. The second curvature is located on her left side toward the small of her back. After she was first diagnosed, she used a back brace which was said to be able to correct or slow the curvatures of her spine. After years of wearing this type of brace, the curvatures in both areas progressively got worse. In order to allow her to grow and develop in maturity, the surgery to place rods in to straighten her spine was delayed as long as there was no danger.
On January 30, 2014, Lyndsay is scheduled for the spinal surgery at Huntington Hospital in Pasadena, California. The surgery cannot be delayed any longer as the curvatures are now beginning to compress her internal organs. In order to provide her with the best medical care, we are in need of help. Financial assistance is greatly needed in order to provide help with transportation, meals, and personal necessities prior, during, and immediately after the surgery. In addition, as a single mother, it will be difficult to replace Lyndsay's clothing as she will be 3-4 inches taller upon completion of the surgery.
Lyndsay is a not only a fighter but a survivor! She has survived a drunk driver, multiple surgeries, and a sexual assault in addition to those insults from other people that do not understand her. Despite all these challenges, she is an amazing young girl with an incredible sense of humour. She smiles and laughs almost all of the time and she spreads joy to those around her. It is hard to have a bad day when she wraps you in her arms and pats you on the back to show her love. She continues to progress in spite of what many physicians have maintained. I was told once by a doctor to put her in a facility because she was mentally retarded and there was no hope for her. However, I refuse to believe that statement! I may not be the richest or smartest or most well connected parent in the world, but no one cares more about the care and success of Lyndsay than I do. I do not treat her as though she is abnormal. She has been involved in many volunteer opportunities throughout the community, played baseball, basketball, and rode horses. My plea is that you will find it in your heart to help us through this difficult time and help me provide her with the best medical care possible. If you are unable to donate, you may help just by sharing this with your friends and loved ones. Thank you in advance and God Bless!