To see Dawn now is to see someone who is completely different from the Dawn from 5 years ago. A missed diagnosis in her childhood has led to what will be a lifetime of struggle and pain. She must once again go into surgery in an attempt to lessen the burden is forced to live with, this time with a specialist based out of Columbia University in New York City.

In the summer of 2020, at 19 years old, Dawn was diagnosed with advanced scoliosis and kyphosis. This means that her spine has both severe S-curves and a C-curve that has needed surgical intervention. In May 2022, at just 21 years old, Dawn underwent her 1st spinal surgery on her lower back, with subsequent surgeries in 2023 and 2024. She has had rods running along both sides of her spine, but the severity of the disease has led to the rods actually bending with her spine.

Surgeons in New York believe they can go in, scrape out scar tissue, replace the screws and rods, and make an attempt to straighten the spine. Doctors here in Texas have admitted that Dawn’s case is beyond their care and she needs the help of these advanced surgical options.

Once the surgery happens, she will be required to stay in New York for 6-8 weeks for follow-up appointments, physical therapy, and if a 2nd surgery will be required. She will need someone to stay with her and help care for her. A 6-8 week stay anywhere is expensive, but a 6-8 week stay in New York City is a different animal. Housing, food, bills, travel to and from the hospital, and doctor bills are just some of the costs that will be incurred.

Any help would be greatly appreciated and we thank you just for sharing in the story.