Fallon’s Recovery: A Fund for Surgery

Dear Friends, Family, and Peers,

On December 1st, I shattered my right arm in a confounding accident. I was in Hawaii at the time, working a freelance job. I had a few hours off in the afternoon and decided to go for a swim. After only a few minutes, I got dragged under by a powerful wave.

I didn’t know the winter swells in Hawaii make the waves some of the most dangerous in the world. With plenty of other tourists in the water, I assumed naively that it was safe. I was slammed onto the ocean floor repeatedly, with the initial impact being on my right arm and shoulder. I could hear a horrendous crunching sound (of what I now know was the bone) even under the water. I’m still very lucky - had the initial impact been on my neck or spine, it could have been fatal.

I was raised to believe that if you can prevent it, you should never take an ambulance. After an uncomfortable Lyft to the hospital, I was told I splintered the humeral head of the bone where it meets the shoulder and had a significant break in the upper shaft. My arm was also dislocated, but the doctor explained that any attempt to put it back in place before surgery would further damage the bone fragments.

All of this happened very far away from home. Not being from the area, the attending ER doctor prescribed very minimal pain medication. I then took a 10-hour flight back with a freshly broken and dislocated arm. The pain was unbelievable. My arm felt like a cinder block, just dangling by a thread from my body.

Surgery was absolutely necessary to restore function to my right (dominant) arm. I wasn’t able to get relief until December 6th, when I finally got surgery approved, almost a week later! Being uninsured in America is a nightmare.

The orthopedic surgeon realigned the broken bones and attached them with a plate and screws. Only then were they able to restore the bone to its correct position in my shoulder joint.

Considering all that has occurred, I’m forced to accept my new reality. In a single moment, I have significantly set myself back physically and financially. I’m devastated. I have an active job that requires a full range of movement. I hope to return to work as soon as possible, ideally by mid-January, but I won’t have an income until then.

Seeking healthcare in America is like living in a Black Mirror episode. That’s become evident with the events of recent news, but regardless, I can’t tell you how heavy the remorse is that I didn’t figure something out.

I had just separated from a domestic partner of three years; it wasn’t a healthy relationship. Unfortunately, it was their work benefits that covered both of our insurance policies. I scrambled to find new housing I could afford and was generally struggling to rebuild my life. I didn’t reestablish my health insurance. I made a mistake.

I’m doing everything I can think of to offset this oversight. I sublet my apartment and luckily have wonderful parents that can host me while I recover, but there’s a limit to what they’re able to contribute. This has been one of the most painful and disheartening experiences of my life. If you are in a position to help, no matter how small, it would mean the world to me. It’s been difficult to stay positive, but I’m holding out hope for a small Christmas miracle.

A lot of people silently struggle because we’re taught that vulnerability is humiliating; that accepting support will cost us our pride. We’ll all be knocked down at some point in our lives. I will let the challenge humble me, but I will be grateful for any hand up in my toughest times.

Once I’m back on my feet, I’ll offer the same for others because as valuable as independence may be, our real strength is in our collective compassion. Even if you aren’t in a place to contribute financially, sharing this goes a long way.

Thank you with all of my heart,

Fallon

*The goal of just over $27,000 was determined by the bill I received for the use of the O.R., the surgeon’s services, the anesthesiologt and the cost of the medical hardware.

If 50 people donate $540, I’ll be able to meet my goal.

If 100 people donate $270, I’ll be able to meet my goal.

If 250 people donate $108, I’ll be able to meet my goal!

Even if I don’t meet my goal,

ANY AMOUNT helps!