Many of you know my daughter Alissa Silsby. Some of you may know about the traumatic accident Alissa was in when she was 17. She was in Irving NY for a local barrel race when she decided to test ride a potential new horse. Little did she know how that one ride would impact her for the rest of her life. She was rushed to the hospital for emergency surgery (I could write a book on that awful night), then went through three surgeries and a chaotic few years to get her back to functioning and walking somewhat normal. Despite missing many friends/personal events Alissa initially did well with recovery.  She is a young woman with much determination and motivation. It has been heart breaking as a parent to watch my child go through such trials and tribulations.  Why I am doing this … Alissa, despite being told she had physical limitations by her doctor set out to follow a career path of a Registered Nurse. The doctor warned her this would be taxing on her ankle, but she was determined to follow a life long journey of caring for others. She has been working as a Registered nurse since 2011 and is passionate and unwilling to give up. Unfortunately, despite her determination she has been unable to work in a nursing capacity since December 11, 2019. After seeing the orthopedic surgeon and testing being done it was determined her ankle joint has deteriorated so severely surgery is the only option being offered. The doctor suggested a total ankle fusion or ankle replacement (not ideal due to Alissa’s age of 32).  Neither of these options are ideal for her due to her young age and her active lifestyle, passion and love for the outdoors. The total fusion may decrease some of her current severe pain but will also permanently limit her much more physically. Alissa is hoping to have a family one day and dreams of being able to run and play with her children as all parents do. With doing some research I found the ExoSym – limb salvage device program in GigHarbor WA at the Hangers Prosthetics Clinic. This program is currently only found at the clinic in WA and is quite costly. Alissa was so excited when I told her, for this could allow her to avoid another major surgery and potentially offer so much more quality of life.  A win – win. She proceeded to call the clinic in Washington. Only to find out that her insurance is not accepted this was an out of pocket private pay program. Alissa has been out of work since December of 2019 so she has no way to afford this. It was a rare occasion, anyone who knows my kid knows how strong she is , but she looked totally defeated , the tears began to run down her face as the reality of financial limitations causing her to have no choice but to have surgery set in. All because of frivolous insurance regulations and boundaries. Despite having good coverage, it was no help now. How the Funds will help…. The limb salvage device itself will range from $9000.00 to $11,000.00 depending on Alissa’s personal needs.  This will require at least two trips to Gig Harbor, WA , the cost of a hotel to stay in and other expenses incurred while there. Unfortunately, Alissa continues to be out of work during all of this. This is going to be an expensive journey. This means so much… If I could afford this myself believe me, I would just pay for it all.  No one wants to see a loved one suffer when there is something that can help them and its even worse when its your child. Alissa is always helping others, consistently thinking of others before herself, passionately caring for the world. This limb salvage device would allow Alissa to get back to doing those things. It would allow her many more years working as a nurse, improved activity and quality of life. I just want to show her the world feels the love she puts out there and loves her back! Please every donation no matter how small or large will assist us to reach our goal of helping Alissa to avoid extensive surgery. Currently surgery is scheduled for 3/27/2020. If we can reach our goal in time, we can cancel surgery and get into the program for the limb salvage device.   Thank you from the bottom of my heart …. Words can’t express my gratitude for any help and support for my daughter during this time.