My name is Michaela, and I am fundraising on behalf of Emily Bowman, my dear friend of nearly 20 years.

Emily has been living with severe genetic Degenerative Disc Disease, which has progressively worsened over the last 6 years, causing her extreme pain and limiting her daily function and mobility. After exhausting treatment options in North America, she will need to go to Germany, where she will undergo a level 3 disc replacement surgery this December.

Before the onset of her symptoms, Emily was one of the most active and energetic people I knew. She was always on the move, always planning the next adventure. It’s been incredibly hard to watch Emily’s physical ability decline.

I am so happy Emily finally has access to the treatment she has been waiting 6 years for. I’ve watched her live in constant debilitating pain while seeking treatment, working full-time and supporting herself through school, all while not being able to sit for 20 minutes and, some days, not even walk. This surgery would mean she could get her life back and not live in constant pain. If you are able to help in anyway I know she would appreciate it.

Emily’s Story

I was 21 when I coughed and was suddenly unable to walk for several days. The pain was extreme, unlike anything I had ever experienced before. I didn’t know it at the time, but this event had triggered the onset of genetic degenerative disc disease.

Six months later, I was gardening when I went to stand up and couldn't. The pain was back, but much worse. My body was physically bent in half, and I couldn't move. My dad had to carry me into the doctor's office because I was unable to walk.

Impact on my life

Over the past six years, there have been many days, sometimes weeks, when it is challenging to stand, walk, or sit for any period of time. At my best, I can do this for around 20 minutes while experiencing constant nerve pain; however, this can change on a dime. At my worst, I can’t do these things at all.

Everyday things have become so painful that I am constantly calculating if I can do them. Can I walk long enough to get groceries? Can I sit long enough to go to the dentist? Can I stand long enough to make dinner? If I go to church, school, or work, will I be able to drive home? If I go get coffee with a friend, how long will I be lying in bed afterwards because I am in so much pain? There are many days when these tasks are simply impossible.

People assume I have been busy because they haven't seen me around and involved like I used to be; the truth is the pain and mobility limitations have become so bad it is often too difficult to participate in daily life.

This summer, I had to leave my job because I was physically no longer able to do it.

No successful treatment for 6 years

After seeking treatments with neurologists, surgeons, pain specialists, and nerve specialists while simultaneously pursuing holistic and alternative treatment options, I was repeatedly told the same thing

“There's nothing else we can do."

Every treatment I tried was unsuccessful, and I was frequently discharged early as a patient because I wasn’t responding to treatment at all, and they no longer knew how to help.

It has been a physically, financially, and emotionally exhausting six years of seeking help with no solutions and living with a condition which continues to get worse.

Treatment plan and a way forward

In July, I was able to meet with one of the most prominent spine surgeons in Germany and was informed I have Degenerative Disc Disease. This is a genetic condition that is irreversible and will continue to worsen over time. The treatment plan is three-level artificial disc replacement surgery, which will replace three of the most damaged discs in my spine with artificial ones. This surgery is not offered in Canada, and I will be going to Germany in December to have this procedure done. This will alleviate the severe nerve and back pain and mobility issues I have been living with since I was 21, making it possible for me to get my life back. The thought of travelling to another country for major spine surgery is overwhelming, but it is encouraging to finally have a light at the end of the tunnel.

In order to make this possible, I need to raise $79,667 CAD to cover surgery and transportation costs.

I know $79,667 is a significant amount to ask for, and I’m incredibly grateful for anyone who is willing to help. Every donation, no matter the size, brings me one step closer to getting the surgery I need and getting my life back. If you’re unable to donate, simply sharing this fundraiser means more than you know. Thank you for taking the time to read my story and for supporting me through this journey.