Support needed for scoliosis back surgery

Hi, my name is Pam Page. I am asking for any support to help me with cover the expenses of getting to California for scoliosis back surgery. I am in constant pain and have been for most of the past 12 years. I have lost 3 1/2 inches in height and lean to the right all of the time due to scoliosis. I walk with the help of a cane.

I have had the x-rays, CT scan & MRI. My thoracic spine is tilted toward the right due to my lumbar spine scoliosis. I have degenerative spondylosis, severe lumbar stenosis and severe disc space narrowing. Yes, it hurts. I have terrible sciatica mostly on my left side but every once in awhile the right will zap me due to pinched spinal cord nerves.

The surgery is scheduled on Monday, July 08, 2024. I was referred to the UCSF (University of California San Francisco) for the surgical procedure. Thoracic 10 - to pelvis decompression and fusion. Lumbar 5-Sacral 1 fusion. Possible extension of fusion to thoracic 4.

I need help with the surgery copay, the flight to & from San Francisco, accommodations and meals in San Francisco for up to 2 weeks after my surgery. I cannot fly directly after the surgery. Then again for a mandatory follow up appointment on August 21, 2024, a flight and hotel package for about 3 days.

Cost breakdown is as follows (all estimates):

Insurance co-pay: $350.00 from original estimate $1,750.00

Flights: Hilo – San Francisco $2,000.00

(Economy to San Francisco - $600 (summer rates);

First Class return to Hilo, $1400; the surgeon said I will need to lay down as I will not be able sit up the entire travel time)

Hotel, food in San Francisco $1500.00 (from hospital discharge until flight home)

Follow up in San Francisco on 08/21/24 (3 days hotel) $1500.00 (flight & accommodations)

This is Max, he's a terrier mix. Reminds me of Benji from the movies. I try to take him out for walks but it's getting more and more difficult to walk any distance and maneuver a leash and cane at the same time.

Any donations are gratefully accepted – no matter what the amount. I appreciate your support and will post periodic updates on my road to the long awaited back surgery and recovery afterwards

Thank you very much. Pam