My journey started when I was 28. I bent over to feed my dog and couldn't stand back up. After visiting the ER a couple of times over the next week, they finally found that I had 2 herniated discs in my lower back. That's when my life changed forever. I went through physical therapy and injections to help with the pain. They didn't work, so I opted for surgery. Over the next 15 months, I had 3 surgeries: a laminectomy, an anterior fusion, and a posterior fusion.

The next 10 years were a battle with chronic pain, PT, injections, physical and mental exhaustion, and severe depression. One of the things that kept me going was my family. My husband and I have 3 children.

Last year I had another surgery. From the anterior fusion, my abdominal muscles didn't heal right and needed reinforcement with mesh. I was off work for 6 weeks for that one.

That brings me to this year. Over the last year, the back pain started getting unbearable. The vertebrae above the existing fusion moved too much and were unstable. So, I needed a posterior lateral fusion. The recovery has been long and slow. Guess I'm no spring chicken anymore. I was off for three months and was supposed to work back up to my previous workaholic hours gradually. My body wasn't having it, though. I started tripping and falling. I have fallen 3 times in the past 2 months, 2 of which had me laid up for a couple of days. Luckily, my back was not affected; everything was just really sore and black and blue. Turns out my legs are de-conditioned and weak, and getting tired from me doing too much. I am able to work a very limited schedule for the next 2 months. After that, I will be re-evaluated.

The financial burden has been just as hard as the actual recovery. Especially having just had surgery within the last year. We have exhausted all options and could just use a little help to get us through until I go back to work full time. However big or small, every donation will be greatly appreciated from the bottom of our hearts. I know most are struggling themselves these days, so if a donation is something you aren't able to donate, just sharing through your network to help get our story out there will be just as huge as a donation.

I graciously thank everyone in advance who is willing to help my family get through these trying times.