Hello friends, family, and kind strangers. Some of you know that during my current adventure in Spain, I was in an e- scooter accident. While touring Barcelona, I crashed and broke both knees and my left elbow. Fortunately, I am traveling with my friend, Lidia, who is fluent in Spanish and she was able to get me an ambulance to the hospital where I am receiving excellent care. Unfortunately, my fractures are very complicated and will require multiple surgeries that will be somewhat risky and very time consuming. I have a great team of specialists who are confidently working on a plan to begin the necessary surgeries next week. This week, I have been waiting for the swelling to go down and they will be able to start as soon as the June 20th. The hope is that they can do both legs at the same time, but it will be an 8 hour surgery and if complications arise, they will have to stop, let me heal, and continue at a later date. I am hoping this won’t be the case. After some healing, they will then have to perform the surgery on my broken elbow. The doctor said the elbow is a less common fracture, but a straightforward procedure. They think my fractures were worse due to loss of bone density after going through cancer in 2015. Because there is a lot of risk and discomfort involved with flying, I will have to remain in Spain for all of this and will need to do a degree of recovery before coming home.

With my network of friends and family, I have even had 2 visitors from different parts of my life come see me at the hospital. I am still working on my caregiver plan in Spain, but have decided the best approach is to get an Airbnb or something similar to have a “home base” and my caregivers can rotate and stay there. I already have a few people lined up and at the end, my best friend Rob will come and help me with the travel home. I am hoping to return home at some point in August.

I have received an overwhelming outpouring of support and love and many have asked what can be done from afar. Luckily, I overpacked and have everything I need and I’m keeping busy with future plans for my therapy business. When I establish my “home base”, I will be able to receive mail and will provide that address. I would love any pictures, kid drawings, or cards to look at and will hang them on my wall. I am totally set on food because it is a lot easier to have Celiac and get gluten free food in Europe.

At this time, the most practical help will be financially. While I have been in talks with my insurance, it has been somewhat of a struggle to get on the same page. It is somewhat unclear what that will cost in medical bills will be when I return. My surgeon told me the most important part of recovery will be specialized physical therapy and continuation of the other alternative treatment I already utilize for pain management at home (acupuncture, massage, Reiki, Watzu,etc) Those services are all out of pocket costs and not covered by insurance. Other costs are flights for caregivers to rotate time in Spain and expenses while they are here.

I am the eternal optimist and think I will be able to return to work when I come home, but know I will have limited energy for some time. So, this may result in some loss of income. As you can imagine, the financial burden is likely going to be significant.

I will continue to update through Facebook and I love all of the video calls I have been having with you. It is incredibly hard to ask for financial assistance, but I’m doing my best to get over that. I really appreciate whatever you are able to contribute and if anyone is wary of donating to GoFundMe because of the fees, my Zelle is attached to my email: [email redacted]

Thank you in advance for your help ! I am sending love and gratitude and support you in living life to the fullest and encourage you all to find joy and adventure!