Main fundraiser photo

Helping Kallie, An Amputee Learning To Walk Again

Donation protected
My name is Jo Anna Provencher and I have created this GoFundMe page for my dear and closest friend Kallie Gates.  She is a loyal friend, amazing mother of two, awesome wife and one incredibly strong woman. Recently, she was diagnosed with a rare cancer in her right foot and now, is a new amputee.




Over the summer, doctors discovered a rare soft tissue cancer in the middle of her right foot. The specific diagnosis was malignant peripheral nerve sheath sarcoma. The tumor measured 8cm x 3.5cm. The size and location of the tumor caused constant excruciating pain and limited surgical options.

 

The malignant tumor had been growing inward and eroding her heel bone but went undetected as a result of the normal swelling of feet during pregnancy. Due to the complexity of the tumor and in order to obtain a clear margin, doctors said it would be impossible to remove the tumor in a way that would leave her with a functional foot afterwards. To get the best quality of life after surgery, Kallie was informed that she would need to have a below the knee amputation on her right leg.
 


Due to the circumstances and to decrease the cancer reoccurring, it was an easy decision for her to make, yet a difficult one to come to grips with.

 

She had the amputation on August 30th, 2018... A day that changed her life forever.






 Thankfully, as of now, chemotherapy is not necessary. Although she still has to undergo surveillance which includes regular CT scans. Physical therapy will be required so she can regain her ability to walk and hopefully jog one day.  Additionally, she’ll need continual prosthetic fittings because her limb will continue to change as her muscle atrophies. Prosthetics will provide Kallie freedom in being able to once again keep up with her young girls and to continue kicking ass at life.





 As people have asked what they can do in lieu of bringing over a meal or sending flowers this GoFundMe page has been created for those that would like to contribute towards the cost of ongoing medical fees and the variety of prosthetics she will need. Insurance covers a basic prosthetic leg. With a young family and a strong desire to be athletic again, Kallie will require different types of prosthetics. These would include both a life like silicone prosthetic for everyday use and a running blade prosthetic to keep her active and healthy, both of which can cost up to $20,000 each.

 

Typically a prosthetic will last 3-5 years with normal wear and tear.


 

Kallie and her entire family have been so optimistic, strong and united throughout this entire life changing diagnosis and journey. Those that surround her are in complete awe of her beautiful and resilient soul. If you would like to participate in witnessing her heartfelt story with us, she created an Instagram account to follow her journey as an amputee due to sarcoma. @mrsmightyrighty 




 

Your support is appreciated for this truly inspiring person and her young and unbelievably admirable family as they focus on her continual healing and hopeful return to normalcy.



Donate

Donations 

  • Anonymous
    • $250 
    • 4 yrs
Donate

Organizer and beneficiary

Jo Anna Provencher
Organizer
Santa Monica, CA
Kallie Gates
Beneficiary

Your easy, powerful, and trusted home for help

  • Easy

    Donate quickly and easily.

  • Powerful

    Send help right to the people and causes you care about.

  • Trusted

    Your donation is protected by the  GoFundMe Giving Guarantee.