Help Dafna battle CRPS

I am starting this fundraiser to help my friend, Dafna Knowles, and her family. Many of you know Dafna very well and may even know a bit about what she has been battling for the past three months. For those of you who don't know, I will attempt to explain as best as I can.

In November of last year, while recovering from major surgery, post-operative complications triggered a rare and painful neurologic disease called Complex Regional Pain Syndrome, or CRPS for short. The diagnosis itself took multiple weeks and even more doctor's appointments before finally giving a name to what Dafna was feeling. However, discovering exactly what the disease was has not helped her recovery in any way. Dafna has gone from an extremely active, involved, and happy mom, wife, daughter, and friend, to waking up most days unable to move her arms, and most recently her legs, due to the excruciating pain she suffers from. Imagine the toll this is taking on her, not only physically, but emotionally as well. I have young children myself and it hurts me just thinking about how difficult this must be on any mom who suddenly is unable to pick up their baby or hug their children.

Although the doctors have treated her with every medication and treatment they have available, Dafna still suffers. However, there is a very successful treatment for CRPS that is available in Italy. The costs are hefty to get Dafna there and to afford this potentially life-altering treatment. If you know Daf at all, you know that she would never ever ask for help. So I will.

Let’s all band together and get this amazing person, mom, wife, friend, and rescuer back to her life as it should be. Not only does her family need her, the animals need her, her friends need her. Any little bit can help and if you are unable to donate, please just share this with everyone you know! Of all the people in this world, Dafna deserves it!