Update: Total Hip Replacement Surgery Is Coming, I Need Support (March 13)

Hi everyone,

I wanted to share an important update.

After another 6+ months of debilitating pain, medical delays, and fighting to be heard since my first hip surgery, and I have now been told that I will need to taper the only pain relief that I have in order to have the total hip replacement that I need.

My hip has continued to deteriorate significantly. We discovered that I have extensive cartilage delamination, meaning the cartilage in my joint has begun separating from the bone, as well as borderline hip dysplasia (my hip socket doesn’t fully cover the femoral head). This damage is extremely painful and has left me living with constant, disabling pain. I was offered either a PAO or THA surgery; ultimately my surgeon and I decided on moving forward with a total hip replacement as it offers a slightly better chance that I will have pain relief.

Simple activities most people take for granted: walking to the mailbox, standing long enough to wash dishes, cook, or climbing the stairs, leave me in even higher pain for many hours, and often the entire day.

While tapering my medication is necessary for surgery safety, it also means that I am now facing an already unbearable level of pain with even less medication to manage it.

I have been very honest with my doctors that I am struggling and that I need more support to get through this period. Unfortunately, there have not been additional resources put in place to help me manage the severity of my pain and disability while I wait for surgery.

One important item that will make a big difference for me is a medical cold therapy and compression system for my hip. Right now I rely on regular ice packs, which require me to constantly go up and down stairs to replace them. This often worsens my pain and triggers severe flares that leave me unable to move for hours.

A cold therapy machine would allow me to continuously ice my hip while resting, reducing inflammation and helping manage pain without repeatedly injuring myself trying to function.

So far, the donations I have received have helped me keep a roof over our heads and provide food and basic necessities for my son and I during a time when my ability to function and work has been drastically impacted by my condition.

I am deeply grateful for every person who has supported us so far. Your kindness has made it possible for me to keep going through an extremely difficult time.

If you are able to share this fundraiser or contribute, it truly means the world to us.

Thank you for helping me get through this and toward the surgery that will hopefully allow me to reclaim my life and be the mom my son deserves.

With gratitude,

Heather

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Update: Second Surgery (July 29)

Hi everyone,

After even more time filled with constant debilitating pain, medical delays, and fighting to be heard since my first surgery, I’ve finally been told I will need a total hip replacement surgery. I live with constant pain that radiates through my back, leg, and pelvis, making even simple tasks nearly impossible. This surgery is my only shot at reclaiming any real mobility or quality of life.

I’m currently waiting to receive my surgery date but it could be months or longer because my surgeon needs my pain medication to be lowered for the safety of surgery and I’m doing everything I can to prepare mentally, physically, and financially in the meantime.

This recovery will be long, painful, and expensive. I’ll be unable to walk, work, or care for myself for many weeks. Trying to parent through this level of pain has already taken a massive emotional toll on both of us. My son is only ten, and lately, when he hears me sniffle, he quietly asks, “Are you crying ?” because that’s how often he hears and sees me cry from pain. No child should have to witness what he is and have to be so worried for me all the time. It’s been extremely hard on both of us.

I will likely need to stay in a convalescent care home temporarily, while my son stays with his dads family. That separation, though necessary, weighs heavily on both of us.

Here’s what your support helps cover:

• Pre-surgery costs (transportation to appointments, medications, mobility aids)

• Post-op recovery (medical supplies, adaptive equipment, care home setup)

• Basic essentials like rent, groceries, and utilities while I’m recovering and unable to work

I’ve done everything I can to push through this with dignity but I’m physically and emotionally past my limit. I’m still fighting for my future, and if you’re able to stand with me right now, it really means the world.

Thank you for reading, for caring, and for helping me survive this.

With love,

Heather

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Hi everyone,

I’m reaching out today as a Canadian single mom fighting to rebuild my life after having a hip surgery that unfortunately did not provide relief from the debilitating pain I’ve already been living with that had progressively worsened for around 2 years at that point. It took a long time to get through all the multi-month waits for imaging to get a diagnosis and then another year wait to get to that surgeon. Despite living in a country known for its compassion and free healthcare, I now face a battle where even the universal system has fallen short, leaving me with no help and no answers.

Every day, I struggle with excruciating pain that robs me of my independence and my ability to care for my 9 year old son, who’s father passed away almost 6 years ago. The surgery was my only lifeline, a desperate attempt to regain mobility and hope but recovery has left me in a harsh reality of relentless challenges. I am battling not only physical pain but also the crushing burden of financial instability, isolation, and deteriorating mental health.

I really need your help to continue fighting this battle. Your generous donation isn’t just a financial contribution it’s an investment in a future where I can support my little one, regain my mobility and health, live without constant pain and prove that no one should suffer alone in their darkest hour. It will help me continue to fight for my health, fight for answers, and fight to get my life back for me and my son.

How Your Support Will Change My Life:

• Medical Expenses & Therapy: Covering the costs of follow-up appointments, physical therapy, and necessary medications that aren’t fully supported by our healthcare system.

• Living Essentials: Ensuring I can provide a stable home, food, and everyday necessities for my family while I focus on healing.

• A Path to Independence: Helping me regain the strength to work and thrive, so I can once again be the resilient, loving mother my child deserves.

I know the weight of sacrifice and the pain of watching your dreams slip away. Any amount of donations will make an unimaginable difference in my journey back to health and independence. If you’re unable to donate, sharing my story can help spread hope and light in a time of overwhelming darkness.

Thank you for standing with me in this.

With all my gratitude,

Heather