Collette Washbrook's Spinal Surgery

About 10 years ago, Collette felt a sudden excruciating pain in her lower back during a track and field meet at school. After NUMEROUS doctor’s visits, they still couldn’t figure out what was wrong. Years passed and Collette never stopped pushing for answers, until finally, after extensive testing, they discovered 4 fractures in her lower spinal column. These were the result of a small twist in her lower spine, present at birth, that was putting strain on her joints for all these years growing up. The doctors placed her on the urgent list for surgery, but this was around the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. She has been trying her best to mitigate the pain and wait time for the past two (almost three) years, but unfortunately her condition has grown more severe; causing more pain and eventually Collette was forced to quit her job, quit university, and apply for disability. Right now, she has trouble walking and doing basic tasks on her own and remains in bed most of the day. Her mental health has also taken an extreme toll through all of this. A few months ago, she received a call from the hospital stating that her surgery has been cancelled indefinitely, after multiple postponements in the past, due to the lack of doctors and strain from COVID-19 on the healthcare system in the province.

Collette decided to look into private surgery options and was quoted roughly $30,000 for a private spinal surgery, and the physiotherapy/recovery afterward. As her family, we have started this Go Fund Me campaign to help with the costs of this so Collette can return to doing what she loves and continuing her education. Now 24 years old, we have watched her struggle immensely while attempting to keep a smile on her face. Any help is very much appreciated, and we are grateful for the support of our communities.