Getting Kathy Back on Her Feet

Hello, we are Traci, Jessica, Melissa, Gina—a team of friends seeking your help. We are coming to you today to tell you about our faithful Deacon, beloved friend, and sister in Christ, Kathy. Kathy needs to undergo an important, complex, and time-sensitive surgery that will be essential for her health and quality of life. We’re looking for support from you, our community, in covering the costs associated with this procedure.

Currently, Kathy is experiencing significant discomfort and mobility challenges due to injuries in her foot and lower leg. Already having chronic issues with her feet, in September 2022 Kathy suffered a complete rupture in her tibial tendon, causing a host of permanent and progressive damage to her foot and lower leg.

The surgery that Kathy requires to repair these issues is crucial, but earlier this year a doctor in Edmonton informed Kathy that the wait time to see a surgeon is two years and then an additional wait time for the procedure. In this time, Kathy would continue to lose mobility and ultimately develop a permanent disability, a dramatic change in her life. As you may know, exercise, physical movement, and travelling to spend time in nature are joyous parts of Kathy’s lifestyle.

Kathy has found a specialist at a private clinic in Vancouver who can do her surgery without the lengthy wait time—the procedure will likely take place in either September or October 2023! Kathy will have to travel to Vancouver, remain there for two weeks post-op, and then be on bed rest for 2 to 4 weeks at home. The cost of the surgery, including specialized equipment, is $25,039.50. Travel and other expenses will further increase the total cost.

This surgery is extremely complicated, so finding the right doctor is essential. Kathy is certain that this specialist will provide the help she needs. The procedure will consist of a significant amount of work:

· Right foot gastrocnemius or Achilles lengthening

· Calcaneal osteotomy

· Deltoid ligament reconstruction

· Posterior tibial (PT) tendon reconstruction with flexor digitorum longus (FDL) tendon transfer

· Lateral column lengthening

· 1st tarsometatarsal (TMT) joint fusion

Other surgical interventions may be added or modified during surgery. This would be done under general anesthetic and take three hours.

With this surgery, Kathy will be able to regain most of her mobility and continue to work serving Jesus and teaching all of us. We would love to help her get back to her more active lifestyle. Please consider if you can help us alleviate some of the financial burden for Kathy. It would be such a blessing to help her access the healthcare she both needs and deserves!