Deborah’s journey towards amputation began when she took her first ride on a motorcycle at age 19 with her boyfriend.  They were broadsided by a car on a country highway and thrown 30 feet into a ditch.  He was killed instantly, and Deborah sustained multiple injuries head to toe.  The most significant injury was discovered after Deborah arrived in the ER & x-rays were taken.  The distal third of her tibia was gone (see x-ray below).  It had been ejected from her body at the scene of the accident.  The Sheriff’s department returned to the scene & retrieved it.  Deborah had an amazing forward thinking orthopedic surgeon in the ER who put it back in.  It took numerous surgeries and 4 years to heal.  Osteomyelitis (bone infection) developed, which proved tough to conquer.  Two and one half years after her accident, her tibia healed to the point she was in a cast, but the osteomyelitis returned and her tibia broke again.  Deborah’s surgeon took her x-rays & case to many conferences around the world to garner ideas for treatment. Prior to her accident Deborah ran every day, had danced for 15 years, & played golf.  After her accident she was able to walk, but dreamed someday medical technology would catch up to her dream to run again.  Several years ago a trifecta of problems increased; pain, instability, and limb length discrepancy.  Deborah realized amputation might be the solution.  Surgeons she saw encouraged her to exhaust more limb salvage options before considering amputation.  The past few years she had yet more surgeries in attempt to salvage & function better.  It became clear her leg was an obstacle; a prosthetic would be an opportunity.   Deborah had over 30 surgeries on her leg before her amputation in June 2015, by Dr. Jan Ertl in Indianapolis.  Along with recovering and other daily tasks Deborah is working hard to re-enter the workforce.

Since Deborah’s accident she’s had many other health and personal challenges.  She spent a year on daily chemotherapy to treat Hepatitis C she contracted from blood transfusions after her accident.  Doctors told her she was lucky she responded to treatment.   Seven years ago, Deborah was diagnosed with cancer, and is now a cancer survivor.  Deborah views these experiences as building blocks that will help her stay strong as she moves forward with her next challenge of walking, restarting her career, and her dream of running again.

Financial challenges have now become a significant problem. Medical bills are mounting along with rent, utilities, grocery, and other expenses. We are hoping donations can get help Deborah get back on her feet….literally,,,so she can be mobile, employed, and making a difference in the lives of others. Donations to Deborah’s fund could truly be life changing for her. Thanks! 


1981 x-ray Deborah
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