Hi, my name is Zephyr. I’m raising support for Noah, someone I love deeply who is soon facing urgent knee replacement surgery. Noah has struggled with knee pain since he was a child, living with osteoarthritis his whole life. Over time, the pain has worsened, and for the past five years, he’s been managing what has culminated into severe, bone-on-bone damage in his left knee with corticosteroid or hyaluronic acid injections every 3-4 months. Now, even these treatments no longer provide lasting relief like they used to.

Daily life has become a constant struggle for Noah. His mobility is severely limited, and on cold days or when his injections wear off, he sometimes needs a cane just to get around. Any amount of walking causes him pain, and even standing or sitting for long periods is incredibly uncomfortable. Nights are often restless, as he tosses and turns trying to find relief. It’s heartbreaking to watch him endure this pain day after day and to see the toll it has taken on his mental health. Noah loves being outdoors and would give anything to take me on a walk, go hiking in the woods, play tennis, and perform acts of service for the people he cares about—his favorite way of showing love.

Noah delayed surgery for as long as possible after being told he was “too young,” but his knee has continued to deteriorate. Years of corticosteroid injections have contributed to joint weakening and bone brittleness, and his current orthopedic surgeon at Duke University Hospital now recommends surgery as the safest and most effective option rather than continuing injections indefinitely.

The Challenge:

Even with Aetna insurance, Noah will face significant out-of-pocket costs for surgery and recovery:

Surgery deductible: $2,153

Physical therapy (20% coinsurance): ~$90

Medications (20% coinsurance or co-pays): ~$60

Medical equipment (walker, brace, shower bench, if not covered): ~$150

Follow-up appointments (20% coinsurance or co-pays): ~$30

Monthly living costs (rent, utilities, food, bills) during recovery: ~$1,200

Recovery Timeline:

Short-term recovery (basic mobility, daily living): 6–12 weeks

Full recovery (strength, endurance, full function): 6–12 months

Based on these estimates, we are aiming to raise $5,500. This will cover the surgery deductible, essential out-of-pocket medical costs, and 6–12 weeks of his living expenses so Noah can focus fully on healing.

Why We’re Asking for Help:

Every donation, no matter the size, makes a direct difference, helping Noah regain mobility, reduce pain, and return to the activities he loves. Your generosity will allow him to take this next step toward a pain-free life. ❤️

Note: Noah is aiming to have surgery in April but hasn’t scheduled a date yet, as he’s nervous about committing while facing these expenses. Your support will help him move forward with confidence when the time comes.