Amanda's Medical Injury Expenses

Hi, my name is Amanda Walker-Pethick. I'm a mom of three amazing boys and a social-emotional learning teacher. I was injured three months ago during a spine surgery, and I am fundraising to help recoup the money I've spent on medical needs or lost in earnings since my injury.

On 1/12/23 I had a laproscopic lumbar laminectomy to clean out some arthritic growth. When I woke up from anesthesia, I was unable to move both arms. The nurses worked with me until I regained movement in my forearms, but I have never regained movement in my upper arms. The pain has been debilitating. I was diagnosed with Brachial Plexopathy due to the "positioning during surgery" and subsequently with Central Pain Syndrome. None of the eight doctors I have seen or any of the staff from my two subsequent hospital stays have ever heard of this type of severe injury from a lumbar surgery.

My prognosis is not great. While the pain will eventually decrease, I will never regain full mobility...if I regain any at all. Depending on the doctor, recovery can take anywhere from one year to ten years. Several of the doctors agree that I most likely will not recover, but we remain hopeful!

I went back to work in March, but have yet to make it a full work day. Additionally, I've had to take an indefinite leave of absence from my second job at a psychological center. I have a high deductible insurance plan and an out-of-network ambulance/ER visit and neurologist that I am 100% responsible for.

This is one of the hardest things for me to do. Many years of my life have been working multiple jobs to cover family medical expenses...but I just can't do that now. So I humbly ask that, if you have the means, please consider donating to my family.

You can watch my update videos at https://www.facebook.com/amanda.walkerpethick?mibextid=ZbWKwL

Thank you so much for reading my story!

Amanda