Chrissy's Journey to Walk Again
Donation protected
On May 18th of 2018, Chrissy's life changed. She went to the emergency room several times with severe head and neck pain. Doctors discovered a tumor on her cervical spine by the C2/C3 vertebrae. The surgery to remove the tumor left her paralyzed on the right side of her body.
Chrissy immediately began physical therapy to learn to walk again and to try and regain strength and movement in her arms and legs. At one point, she lost all the hearing in her right ear from the fluid that was building up.
Every single day, Chrissy worked hard to make progress, as the window of opportunity is greatest in the first 90 days. As a mom of four kids, she had to figure out how to balance parenthood with recovery.
Unfortunately, insurance did not cover some of the equipment that therapists recommended for Chrissy's recovery. The family improvised with homemade equipment, but it does not give the same results. The funds from this fundraiser will enable Chrissy to obtain the therapy and equipment that is not covered by insurance.
Chrissy has an incredibly positive attitude about the changes in her life. She's determined to regain as much independence as possible so that she can take care of her kids.
Some days are tough. Chrissy's skin is extremely sensitive. Sometimes it feels as if she has shards of glass piercing her skin. Some days she falls over in therapy.
The newest challenge: making a bathroom accessible in their house so that Chrissy can use the bathroom and safely take a shower. Her husband and sons will be able to save some money by taking down the tile and removing the tub, but pipes will need to be re-routed so that Chrissy can use a grab bar with her left hand.
Thank you for your contribution. Every dollar from this fund goes towards Chrissy's recovery.
Organizer and beneficiary
Karen Griffard Putz
Organizer
Salem Lakes, WI
Christine Hanke
Beneficiary