Fund Summer's Path to a Pain-Free Life

On Tuesday, June 11, Summer will be having her full reconstructive surgery on both legs. We have been working with a team of doctors for the last several years planning for this day, and it is finally here. As many of you know, Summer has the diagnosis of Cerebral Palsy, affecting her eyesight, fine motor skills, speech (once upon a time lol), and her walking. We knew she would get to a point in her growth where she would need intervention, so her adult life could be productive, independent, and as pain-free as possible.

They will spend the whole day in surgery turning her femurs, putting her knees back where they go, reconstructing the structure of her feet, turning her ankles, and much more. It's a lot. She will be inpatient for the week, come home for five weeks non-weight bearing in bed in casts, and then go back to work with a team at Cook Children's inpatient rehab learning to walk with her new legs for three weeks.

What does this mean for us? Due to the stipulations of her benefit requirements, I have to stay under a certain pay so I do not lose her ability to be covered by state health insurance. I will be taking off the nine weeks unpaid FMLA to be inpatient with her, as well as be her in-home caretaker as this will not be provided. We will have monthly bills to cover, food to cover while at the hospital for myself, groceries while at home, post-op travel, and some expected out-of-pocket medical bills. Some of this is still unknown until the day of surgery and the equipment is decided, then rentals are ordered.

I am truly stepping out in faith and love knowing taking care of Summer is my number one job, and that all my love comes back to us every time I do. We have set up a special account for this ask, so it will always be used for the care of Summer right now, and for future needs. We appreciate all of you taking the time to consider us in our time of need, and champion all of you as our biggest cheerleaders. We truly could not have made this road without you by our sides. XOXO Mary