New Spine For Danielle

This GoFundMe campaign is dedicated to helping with costly medical expenses related to Anterior Scoliosis Correction (ASC) surgery for my sister, Danielle Fry. 
This is a life-altering surgery to repair her severely curved spine.

 
Danielle struggles with pain every single day, due to severe scoliosis of the spine. Most anyone who knows her would never realize the pain she endures, because she continues to push through it, never showing the severity of her pain to those around her. 

Danielle’s insurance has denied coverage of the surgery despite her filing every appeal and external review available. At this point, it is more cost and time effective to seek surgery outside the US. Waiting to pursue the surgery when insurance is supportive is not the best option due to age and disc degeneration.  Danielle’s discs have already started to deteriorate as a result of the curvatures. If this process continues, she will no longer be considered a candidate for ASC. Danielle is currently borderline eligible due to her age and disc health.

Danielle has researched and found a very experienced surgeon in India who has successfully performed many ASC procedures.  He uses the same instruments and techniques as the doctors within the US. He is well known and respected in his field. However, he is able to offer the same service at a portion of the cost. He is also very hopeful after reviewing her case, that he can provide her with a very promising correction and outcome. The estimated cost letter is attached to confirm the financial need that she is facing.


I think Danielle explains it best. Please read on...


If you did not know, it was discovered that I have scoliosis when I was about 11 years old. It has never slowed me down much. However, it has been progressing in the last handful of years and is to the point where I have daily, constant pain. It has also progressed from a double to a triple curve.  I utilize about 13 different gadgets, creams, patches etc...to mitigate the pain. And no, my running is not the cause. Running and remaining active actually helps, but sitting or lying down is the real struggle. Every surgeon has told me that my lifestyle and running makes me the best candidate for this surgery. I am much more likely to have very positive results. However, without surgery, my curvatures are likely to progress and may eventually prevent my active lifestyle completely. It can even start to impact organs. My recent x-ray revealed that the angle of the curve has increased 3 degrees in 3 years, surpassing a 40°angle. Research shows that once it surpasses the 40° mark, it is more likely to worsen. The conventional options for scoliosis have been fusion, which would consist of metal rods down my entire spine, often bringing many complications and lack of flexibility. This newer option uses a tethering cord approach vs the metal rods. I have spoken to many people who had much success with this surgery, leading to minimized/eliminated pain and stopping the progression while allowing them to remain active and even improving their fitness performance! I have attached my x-rays and a comparison photo of fusion vs tethering. I am sharing to ask for prayers and support as this is HUGE for me. I am so grateful that there is a viable option available now. Even my chiropractor, despite his usual minimally invasive approach, agrees that this is my best option. He has worked with me for 12 years now and has stated that he believes this could be a total game changer for me! Please help me through prayers and/or financial means to make this surgery possible! My future quality of life depends on it.

Much Love,

Danielle