In May, Casey suffered a spinal fracture while working on an indie film in Covington, KY. She fractured the L5-S1 vertebrae that sit at the base of the spine, forming the lumbosacral joint. The broken bone fragment shifted out and rotated, cutting into her sciatic nerve. When she was 17, she broke a vertebrae due to a sports injury which also required surgery, and has dealt with residual nerve damage for over 20 years. Consequently, the past 3 months have been incredibly painful and difficult, often leaving her unable to walk or stand up.

Casey has always been a perpetual giver, without hesitation, whether it’s lending the last dime in her pocket, helping someone move, giving them a place to stay, a listening ear, or just showing up in whatever way she can. Her empathy runs deep, and she continuously puts the needs of those she cares for before herself. She’s considerate, passionate, tenacious, fiercely independent, and an outspoken, devoted advocate for environmental and social justice. She’s used to throwing everything she has into taking care of us and our sweet dog Loretta, taking care of her family and the people she loves, spending as much time as she can in the wild, or making art, whether it’s her own project or someone else’s. Since the injury, her everyday life has been extremely constricted. This is beyond tough for her, because she’s never not doing something. Aside from the physical difficulties, this has also taken a substantial toll on her mental health.

Not having health insurance has made the situation all the more frustrating. She was finally able to get an MRI towards the end of July. The neurosurgeon said they needed to take care of it as soon as possible in order to mitigate further damage, and scheduled surgery for August 1st. Surgery went well. She’s back home and beginning the journey to recovery.

Casey hasn’t been able to work since May. Freelance life is inherently stressful, in numerous ways, financial insecurity being at the top of that list. With only one of us working, it’s reached a point where the financial burden seems insurmountable. She will start physical therapy in 8-12 weeks, but considering the intensive physical demands of working in the Grip and Electrical department, she won’t be able to return to set work for 5-6 months.

Medical bills, medications, and adaptive equipment are now added to the monthly bills, food costs, and necessities, which are becoming more expensive by the day. We also have a big, beautiful 70 pound pitbull daughter to care for. She never leaves Casey’s side and has been the linchpin of her mental and emotional wellbeing throughout this. Anything to help our family, no matter what or how, is greatly appreciated. It will make a huge difference in the coming months. It’s going to be a long, arduous process of healing. Casey is my best friend, and the one person I have to lean on when the weight of the world starts knocking me down. Currently, I can’t do that because I’ll crush her spine. That’s why we need your help. We’re endlessly grateful for your kindness and support, and we love you all very much.