A Lift to Healing: Support My Spinal Stenosis Care

Since July 19, I haven’t been able to climb my stairs without assistance due to spinal stenosis. I’ve had multiple falls and multiple trips to Grant Medical Center. I’ve already spent hundreds of dollars adding rails and other safety features at home, but the stairs remain my biggest barrier. I’m raising funds for a stair chair (stair lift) and medical bills so I can move safely at home, make my appointments, and keep working with needed accommodations. Every donation and share helps—thank you.

Full story

Hi, I’m Pat Mize. I’m living with spinal stenosis—a condition that narrows spaces in the spine and compresses nerves. For me, that means pain, numbness, and weakness—enough that since July 19, I haven’t been able to climb my stairs without help. Since returning home, I’ve fallen multiple times and needed multiple trips to Grant Medical Center. What used to be a simple trip to my bedroom or bathroom is now a daily risk.

I’ve done everything I can to stay safe and independent. I’ve already spent hundreds of dollars retrofitting my home with rails and accessibility features to reduce falls and help me move room to room. These changes help—but the staircase is still the biggest impediment to daily living and even to getting to medical appointments.

My doctor has recommended a stair chair (stair lift) to make my home safe, prevent falls, and conserve the energy I need for recovery. I’m also facing bills from appointments, imaging, medications, physical therapy—and those hospital visits. I am still able to work, but I require extra accommodations (like flexibility for appointments, mobility support, and ergonomic adjustments) to keep doing my job while I manage this condition.

I’m asking for your help to fund:

Stair chair (stair lift) + installation — to safely access my home and reduce fall risk.

Medical bills — current balances, multiple hospital visits, and upcoming care (visits, imaging, meds, PT).

Accessibility & safety items — small home modifications (grab bars, railings, etc.) and to offset the out-of-pocket costs I’ve already incurred.