Amanda's Emergency Back Injury

On Nov. 29th, our mother Amanda was rushed to the ER in excruciating back pain. Having dealt with sciatica pain for years, this pain was different.

Unable to walk or move without screaming in pain, we were told that her L5 disc (lower back) had exploded/extruded and was covering her nerves extending to her right leg. Her neurosurgeon let us know that physio and pain medication likely cannot solve this alone, and is a possible candidate for back surgery in the coming weeks. Back surgery recovery can take up to 8 months for full recovery.

Sitting with my mother in the hospital, she is no longer crying her eyes out from the pain, but in fear that we could lose everything going for us near Christmas.

If you have the pleasure of knowing our mother you will know that she never stops moving. Her kids and work are her everything. She is currently a PSW on a part-time on-call contract, and for the past few months has worked 7 shifts a week- especially near Christmas.

She does not have benefits. She has no life-savings. Due to the Canada Post strike, EI benefits would come too late to pay monthly bills for January and onwards and would not cover rent anyway. She is the only child, and has no parents or family aside from her own children. Her 23-year old twin daughters have taken on caring for their younger siblings in the meantime.

In these trying times, everyone is aware that one missed pay cheque could mean something awful for anyone. We are asking our community for support during this difficult time.

Our mum has worked incredibly hard for 5 years after leaving an unhealthy relationship to finally reach a solid point for all of us. Nothing keeps me up at night more than worrying about my younger siblings, and my mom.

As we prepare for next steps, anything is appreciated, which will be contributed towards medical costs (medication with no coverage, physio and more as they arise) as well as living expenses for her kids at home (rent, utilities, and other bills).

We hope our mom can have the opportunity to rest, mentally and physically.