My name is Jonathan, and I'm trying to raise funds to help support my sister Alona while she recovers from an essential surgical operation on her back. A cyst in her lower back is compressing nerve roots (intractable sciatica), which results in extreme pain and loss of sensation in her feet and toes. The nerve damage could be permanent if not treated as quickly as possible. Sitting or walking are extremely painful, so it’s impossible for her to work. Even normal every day activities like cooking or cleaning are excruciating. She has been enduring this since March 2024 (20 months!) and it has gotten much worse since then. Unfortunately, she can’t rely on federal leave or disability pay because those were exhausted during a 4-month recover from a shoulder surgery earlier this year.

Alona is the kind of person who gives to others above and beyond, particularly in her work with animals. She offers top of the line, compassionate care as a vet tech, ensuring the animals in her care are at their best. While she loves her job, it is physically-demanding and her back injury causes her near-constant pain. She has tried physical therapy, repeated sets of spinal injections, massage, chiropractic, acupuncture, pain management specialists, and work accommodations to reduce the physical burden. None of it was enough to reduce the pain and allow her to live her life. She is at the point where she requires back surgery to allow her to get back to work or simply get through a day without intense pain. Paid time off won't be close to enough to cover her expenses, so I'm here asking for support on her behalf during her recovery.

For transparency and accountability, I have included some of the basic expenses we're trying to raise money for below. I know many people are struggling right now, and I appreciate you considering helping Alona.

I love my sister and I consider her one of my best friends. The picture above is from a trip to Hawaii that we took together 3 years ago. We went hiking, zip lining, and snorkeling. Now she has trouble just getting around her house.

Cost breakdown:

Mortgage $1,400

Utilities $323

Bills/loans $1,920

Food, gas, vitamins/supplements $300

Past Medical bills $90

Medications $130

Monthly total $3,163

I figure that a 6-week recovery will mean 1 full month + Mortgage + half of the rest of it, which is $6,945