Debra's Fight Against Pain: Your Support Counts

Many of you know Debra James, a caring daughter, valued sister, and treasured friend, who has touched many lives in the Munhall and surrounding communities. Some may recall Debra’s professional work as a compassionate caregiver to the loved ones of many families in this area. She is also a valued member of her local congregation of Jehovah’s Witnesses, where she is known to be ever-alert to other peoples’ needs and offer what she can. From a kind word or warm hug to a card or heartfelt gift a generous spirit is a hallmark of this beautiful woman.

This longtime Munhall resident can easily be remembered as the lady who would hold epic garage sales at the intersection of Interboro and Mifflin Road. In addition, her close friends hold dear numerous memories of Debra as a vibrant, active, all-around adventurer participating in swimming, biking, hiking, kayaking and more.

While Debra still has a zest for life, at only 54 she is now severely limited in what activities she can participate in, if you can call frequent doctor appointments activities. Debra has gone from being a caregiver to now needing in-home care herself due to her chronic health conditions which were made even more serious by two terrible falls; one in 2019 (directly compressing the tailbone and spine) and a second in 2020 (which affected her entire left side). These falls have exacerbated her severe degenerative disc disease and bulging discs, resulting in pinched nerves, severe burning pain, and extreme muscle tightness/spasms. This whole body condition causes chronic widespread pain to the point where daily functioning, specifically, sitting, standing, and walking has become extremely difficult.

Mostly confined to her apartment where she must spend most of her time in a recliner, which also serves as her bed due to the excruciating pain that comes from lying flat, she contents herself by watching YouTube videos of beautiful mountains and other creations instead of being out in them. Limited in physical exercise, Debra enjoys exercising her mind with word games and stimulating conversations with her friends. She regularly attends worship services via videoconferencing, although she longs to attend in person and hug her fellow congregation members as she had for many years before her accidents. Ever striving to be a blessing to her neighbors, she composes and sends out letters containing encouraging scriptural verses to give hope and uplift hearts. Instead of making music (she used to play guitar), she appreciatively listens to spiritual music and sings along. Forced to retire her bike and hiking sticks, Debra uses a walker and motorized scooter to get about when going to doctors and therapists.

To cope, Debra has undergone various pain management treatments including cortisone shots, weekly chiropractic therapy, and weekly massages. In addition to that, she takes a daily regimen of pain relief prescriptions, along with topical relief rubs and the constant use of ice to deal with excruciating and debilitating pain.

A variety of doctors have performed numerous medical tests only to end up with no concrete answers or solutions. Despite having exhausted all known sources of pain management, Debra is still in constant pain with slight, merely temporary relief. After much research, she is now seeking non-surgical spinal decompression therapy through the Pittsburgh Disc Centers of America. This therapy has had positive results for those suffering from similar conditions. It is hoped that it can provide relief so that the pain Debra has been enduring for so long will be lessened to the degree that her quality of life will be at least improved.

Sadly, insurance does not cover much of what Debra turns to for relief already and will not cover this spinal decompression therapy either. This is where you come in.

Family, friends, former co-workers, acquaintances and anyone else who wants to see Debra get this therapy are asked to contribute whatever they can. The goal is to raise $5,200 for the six-month treatment (which must be paid in advance). Your support is wholeheartedly appreciated, not only by Debra but especially by those who know and love her and have helped to compose this GoFundMe page.

May God bless your generous spirit!