Becca's Journey of Strength and Resilience

In April 2023, Rebecca (Becca) Zaidel Harrell was on a family trip to visit a close friend when an insect bite on her right foot changed everything. The emergency room visit led to more doctors and more hospitals, more consultations and finally a diagnosis - the bite accelerated an aggressive arthritis that was destroying the middle of her foot. With broken bones and mangled joints, the only way to salvage her foot was immediate major surgery. In a matter of days she rearranged her life, called in favors, cut back expenses, moved forward with surgery, and embarked on recovery. Three difficult and challenging months passed before she could walk again. And then another blow. And another. And another. A MRSA infection and sepsis took Becca to the brink. After a month-long hospital stay involving nine surgeries, IVs, a PICC line, and countless doctor visits, she was told there was no chance of saving her foot but removing it could save her life. On April 12, 2024, Becca's right foot was amputated. To say her recovery began again would be an understatement.

Pain is part of her daily life. The toll this has taken on her body and her life is significant. There are times when standing becomes unbearable, when the weight becomes, literally and figuratively, just too much. It has been 18 months since the initial incident so regaining independence is extremely important, but so is getting back into life as a mom and a daughter. As Becca incorporates the use of a prosthetic, there are additional measures available to help her feel safe and supported:

Becca is one of the most beautiful people I know. In the summer of 1999, she giggled her way into my life and has been an incredible source of joy ever since. Through the years, I have watched my sweet best friend battle ailments small and large - from asthma to Lupus to a rare autoimmune disorder that affects her connective tissue, and now this. She is no stranger to pain. She is also no stranger to strength. With a smile, Becca fights every day to make life the absolute best it can be, for herself, for her friends, but most of all for her family. A single mother who also cares for her own mom, Becca gives so much to others, maybe we can help give something back to her... Funds collected here will go directly to help cover modifications and related medical expenses. Please share this with any of Rebecca’s family, friends, and anyone you think may want to help. Your generosity is so very appreciated.