Hello, my name is Kris Kowalchuk and before I tragically lost my health I was an elite level golfer, fitness trainer, aspiring lawyer, teaching assistant , and globally published academic.  I had what I thought was a very promising future. Everything  has  been stripped from me due to this health tragedy.

When I first sought medical attention years ago I was dismissed over and over and even laughed at. My condition eventually started to decline rapidly. No matter how bad things got I was met with indifference  and inaction amongst health professionals in Canada. Eventually my family knew  we needed to act and travelled to the United States and Europe for proper imaging and diagnosis.

It was discovered through objective testing  that I had a severe case of 2 major veins that were 95% + occluded and as a consequence produced new networks of veins wreaking havoc on my pelvic nerves. Tests were further conducted in Europe on my pelvic nerves revealing significant damage and the necessity for urgent treatment.

I underwent major surgery in Germany in November 2020 to correct the original cause which failed within a month and required further  surgical correction in Spain. The Spanish doctor was able to correct the original  problem but added that the issue  had gone undiagnosed for way too long and more was needed to be done to correct the network of veins that remained and were compressing my pelvic nerves. He wrote a letter to the Ontario Ministry of Health highlighting how it was immoral to leave me in this state and pleaded that all efforts should be taken to assist my family. The ministry rejected his recommendations and we were again left on our own in Europe during the pandemic to fund and arrange further treatment,

The surgeon tasked with correcting the remaining venous/nerve compression was unable to reach the problematic area with his surgical technique as it was too dangerous upon observation of the area. I had further imaging in NY in July 2020 that showed the veins still compressing pelvic nerves as well as an indication of a spinal cord issue that was not caught prior.

I have had several globally renowned experts review the images and all are in agreement that these issues need treatment urgently if I have any chance at even moderate recovery at this point . 

Through my own efforts and a Good Samaritan/ family friend we have found globally renowned  surgeons in Rhode Island to correct the spinal cord issue and  in France to correct the remaining venous/ nerve compression. Both are known world-wide for their knowledge and talent and have good success rates. 

I have already  passed the recommended surgical timeframe set out for me by the surgeon in Rhode Island as I was hoping to find options in Canada. Unfortunately , yet again, only  pain management and mindfulness has been offered as treatment here and nothing to treat the actual physical problems that will only continue to worsen if left untreated.

All of the experts agree that my window for gaining function back or relief of horrendous constant  pain  is closing as these issues remain unfixed. Getting these surgeries as soon as possible is truly my last chance.

Currently I am  unable to move at all without causing horrendous pain flares and even not moving an inch is torture. I only get up with assistance to use the bathroom and spend almost all night screaming in pain as my parents take shifts trying to comfort me and manage my pain medication. We have been in this state since November 2019 and we will not last much longer.

To date we have spent in the hundreds of thousands on my care. If you are able to help in any way at all with the costs associated with my  next surgery I am extremely grateful as these surgeries are my last chance.

 

This is a difficult time financially for many and I understand if you are unable to contribute  but I thank you for simply reading my story and having my family in your thoughts and prayers.

- The Kowalchuk family 


Photos of my decline compared to me before.

 

 

Before this all started: