Nov., 2019 - I was violently attacked and assaulted, resulting in severe spinal injuries that have & will impact me for the rest of my life. Almost 3 years later & I went into my 2nd spine surgery. This surgery gave no pain relief, instead it led to CRPS (Complex Regional Pain Syndrome), the most painful disease known to man. Not just that, but I was then diagnosed with Ehlers Danlos Syndrome, affecting all connective tissues and joints. These both have affected my recovery from surgery to the point of full disability and more pain than I could’ve ever imagined. My treatments have costed us over 60,000 in just the past 4 months, and I’m not even close to done.
Before all of this, I was adventurous; always doing something. I was a tree climbing, dancing, off-roading, surfing, wakeboarding, wanderlust kid. I had dreams of traveling the world; building a life and family of my own. I found purpose in my creativity, my passion for photography, and art in all forms. I pursued a degree in interior design at FIDM, so I had been living in L.A. for only 2 months when all of the sudden, the entire trajectory of the rest of my life was forever changed.
On November 9th of 2019, after going out drinking with my friends, just like any other average college student, I had ordered an Uber* ride to my former boyfriend’s house. Little did I know, the driver of that Uber* would then hold me captive for hours, violently sexually and physically assaulting me causing a traumatic spinal injury; one I thought would heal but instead has exponentially worsened. After a year of trying all different forms of treatments for my pain, I had my 1st spinal surgery, but that was only the beginning.
Since my Uber* attack I have seen over 80 medical professionals. So far, I have had 2 microdiscectomies, countless Ketamine infusions, multiple spinal injections, medical devices, ganglion blocks, ongoing physical therapy, and full time hospitalization at a certain point.
I was diagnosed with CRPS, Complex Regional Pain Syndrome, the most painful condition known to man ( and several more conditions but most recently Adhesive Arachnoiditis, yet another incurable and degenerative condition. Both of these were diagnosed as a direct result of all of the trauma to my spine injuries. Now I have an opportunity to be treated for my injuries and pain at the Spero Clinic in Arkansas. A facility that specializes in CRPS and Adhesive Arachnoiditis. However, this facility and treatments are not covered by my any insurances.
ANYTHING HELPS!
One man destroyed my body but I cannot and will not let him destroy me or my future life, or my families. I’ve been so blessed for the help and love I’ve received, but if you can donate anything at all, every penny makes a difference.
Thank you for your love & support, Lys.