A fighting chance for Gina

In 2013, our sister Gina began to experience chronic medical complications that resulted in her loosing her ability to walk at the age of 13. After numerous doctor appointments searching for answers, she was diagnosed in 2014 with CRPS (Chronic Regional Pain Syndrome). CRPS is a chronic pain condition that impacts different limbs of the body due to damage to the central nervous system. The pain level is persistent and feels as though her skin is on fire. Over the years, Gina's condition has worsened and she has been bed bound where the CRPS has effected both her legs. There have been many different treatment modalities that have been attempted and nothing has been effective in treating the condition. In addition to the CRPS, Gina had began to encounter complications with experiencing chronic leg spasms and contractions to her right leg that can last up 40 hours before the contraction subsides. In 2017, Gina was diagnosed with another condition known as Tethered Cord amongst other conditions.  Tethered Cord Syndrome is a neurological disorder that causes abnormal stretching to the spinal cord. This syndrome has been identified as the reason to the severe leg contractions and spasms experienced. In order for Gina to progress in her treatment and journey to walk again, she needs to undergo surgery to correct the Tethered Cord. Our family had traveled to a few local neurosurgeons who have completed many tethered cord surgeries, but were reluctant to complete the surgery due to Gina's medical condition of CRPS. After continuous searching, our family recently found a surgeon in Maryland willing to do the surgery labeling Gina's case as high need. As a result, Gina's surgery has been scheduled for the end of October due to the severity of the condition. Unfortunately, the cost of the surgery out of pocket is estimated around $40, 000.  Due to unforeseen circumstances with the high medical costs of the surgery not covered by health insurance and travel, any donation would be greatly appreciated to support Gina on her road to recovery to walk again.