Please help my friend!

Hi there! My name is Gail Santarelli. I am raising funds for my friend Mindy Pope, a Veterinary Professional who needs life-changing spinal surgery. I hardly believe she has agreed to this, but I suppose when you get in enough pain for long enough, you learn to accept help from others.

In November of 2021, Mindy experienced an acute onset of excruciating pain in her neck, back, chest, and shoulders. The pain was making it impossible for her to perform her normal job duties as a veterinary assistant.

The pain was nothing new, it stemmed from old injuries to her neck and shoulders. However, the normal rest and anti-imflammatories did not help this time. Her doctor gave her a restricted (& strict) work order, which meant she would be unable to work hands-on with the beloved animals. After several rounds of steroids, muscle relaxers and six weeks of physical therapy with no improvement, an MRI indicated significant damage to her cervical spine. From C4- C7, the foramina are severely narrow on both sides of the spine. This is where the nerves exit the spinal cord and travel through openings in the bone to the upper body. Multiple bone spurs were also found, and bulging cervical discs. The overall damage has caused a spinal column narrowing, which puts her at higher risk of life-threatening injuries to her spinal cord. Her doctor has recommended removing three of the discs in the area and using hardware and grafts to fuse the vertebrae. Additionally, it is necessary to clean out the bones on the surfaces of the vertebrae that are impinging the nerves.

She needs help covering the medical expenses for surgery and unpaid work leave. She has health insurance, but the deductible is enormous. Much of her savings are gone. In addition to the deductible, she is responsible for the co-pay. The costs of the surgery, rehabilitation and the changes to her living environment necessary for post-surgical healing are beyond her reach.

We are asking for your help.

Please donate what you can so that Mindy can live an everyday life again, one day at a time. We appreciate your prayers, positive energy, and your donations very much!