Help Blanka Heal: Life-Changing Spine Surgery in Germany

Hi, I’m Dianne King, and I am asking to help Blanka, she is a beautiful, 19-year-old woman who’s facing something no young person ever should. I first heard about Blanka’s health journey through her lovely mom Mariann K who works on our team. Here is Blanka's story :

Hi, my name is Blanka Lodi. I’m a 19-year-old student-athlete at the University of Guelph, and I’m reaching out with deep vulnerability and hope. I have a life-changing surgery booked for the first week of May—and I need your help to make it possible.

I’ve been an athlete my entire life—playing volleyball, running track, and pushing myself at the varsity level. But over the last year, my life has been consumed by debilitating pain.

I was diagnosed with genetic degenerative disc disease (DDD), which has caused severe and irreversible damage to three of my lower spinal discs (L3/L4, L4/L5, and L5/S1). My L5/S1 disc is pressing on my S1 nerve root, leading to constant pain, tingling down my leg, and numbness in my toes. Even the most basic things—walking to class, sitting, or sleeping—have become incredibly difficult.

I’ve tried everything to avoid surgery: physiotherapy, strength training, acupuncture, rehab... but nothing has worked. After months of pain and endless consultations, I’ve been told my best option is Artificial Disc Replacement (ADR)—a highly specialized procedure that’s performed with great success in Germany but is not widely available in Canada or the U.S.

The cost of the surgery is $85,000 CAD, and that doesn’t include travel, accommodations, or the intensive rehabilitation program I must complete in Germany for at least a month following surgery. It’s all out of pocket—and far beyond what my family can manage alone.

This isn’t just about money—it’s about giving me the chance to live without pain, to walk with ease, to compete again, and to simply be a 19-year-old girl chasing her dreams.

Please, if you’re able to help in any way—through a donation, a share, or spreading the word—it means the world to me and my family. Every bit brings me one step closer to healing.

Thank you from the bottom of my heart.

— Blanka

I’m hoping many of you can find it in your heart to help with the endless expenses, any amount will help!