
Help a Family Rise Above Challenging Times
Donation protected
As some of you know, for the last four plus years, I have battled an injury that has taken the use of my right arm, mobility of my neck, ability to sleep, and enjoy family activities. I can no longer lift much, write but for a moment because my hand is weak, or ride roller coasters and other fun things with my children. I had a cervical fusion to correct this injury (nursing job injury that resulted in the loss of the job) when, 5 months later, I unknowingly fell through a rotting 1 1/2 story deck, landing hard on my right side (weak side because I couldn't catch myself), causing injury to my newly fused neck. A few months later, I had to have a second cervical fusion to fix the broken one from the deck. Both of these were followed by months and months of physical therapy attempting to gain some use of my right arm and hand back. I eventually got 35%. When you've been strong your whole life and now you can't even lift a cup or dress yourself, you feel worthless. I felt like a stroke victim. I'm on a dozen medications every day to assist in helping the nerve damage and muscle damage caused by these injuries. They make me even more tired on top of my sleepless nights because of the pain in my neck. Now, I find out that because it started with a lump in my throat and continued worsening pain and an inability to swallow, my fusion had broken and is making its way out through my throat. I now need a 3rd fusion to correct this so as not to cause permanent damage and even paralysis. I have severe PTSD after the second that I'm really struggling with. As a single mom, I will have to take 4 weeks off of work with no pay. I have bills to pay and kids to care for. Any help is graciously appreciated, and I will keep everyone updated on my journey. I'm currently awaiting a call from the surgeon as he and his team were looking my files over to know how best to approach this problem. This has been a very tough year for my little family, and now this. I know God will see us through this dark time, and I pray that He gives me comfort and peace. May He bless you as well.
Organizer
Heather Moon
Organizer
Guthrie Center, IA