Corin's Surgery Recovery

Our beloved Corin Parsons is having bilateral above-knee amputation surgery due to complications from Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS) and erythromelalgia. For years he has been living with debilitating pain and instability in his knees, ankles, and feet. This has dramatically impacted his sleep, work, doctoral degree, and overall wellbeing. After pursuing numerous treatments, Corin and his specialists agree that amputation is the best remaining option, and surgery is now scheduled for late August.

Although amputation will be a substantial change, Corin is feeling optimistic about a better quality of life on the other side. However, recovery will be extremely expensive. He will need new medical equipment, home and wheelchair upgrades, car adaptations (and transportation in the meantime), help around the house, and other paid assistance to supplement the legwork of family and friends. Some medical expenses will not be fully covered by provincial or extended insurance. He also expects to pay a portion of his prosthetics costs out-of-pocket as the appropriate components for above-knee amputees are very pricey, coverage is limited, and grant funding is uncertain. Additionally, there are likely to be costs associated with adapting the para sports equipment that he currently uses for rowing, racing, and tennis. Meanwhile, he will be dealing with loss of wages and income for regular expenses during recovery.

All that said, he needs our help to get back on his non-feet. We estimate that his costs will be at least $15,000, not including lost income and the high potential costs of prosthetics. This is a huge impact to anyone's finances but especially hard for a disabled graduate student in a city with one of the highest costs of living in North America. You might say it costs a leg and a leg.

Please give what you are able in support of Corin as he says goodbi(-pedal) to his lower limbs and hello to a less painful and more functional and joyful life! Anything helps and is greatly appreciated. If you are unable to donate, we hope that you will share this GoFundMe with your networks.

In addition to surgery improving many aspects of life, Corin has a wonderful and supportive community and a ton of upper body strength as a long-time wheelchair user and para athlete, so we are also celebrating his bright future ahead. Thank you for helping make it possible.

With gratitude,

Corin's sister, Mara