Help Jade Fund an Ottobock Prosthetic Leg

Hey! My name is Jade, I'm based in Hove and work in the North Laines in Brighton. I love to draw and hang out with my dog. 

I’m looking to raise money for an Ottobock prosthetic leg. I'll be using this space to tell you a little bit about myself, my journey and how things could be drastically different for me in the future with a new prosthetic.  Thank you so much for taking the time to read my story, I'm so grateful for you listening! 

Heres a little summary of the long journey that ended in having my left leg amputated below the knee last year.

In 2009 I was diagnosed with Ewings Sarcoma, a form of bone cancer. After chemotherapy and other treatments, I underwent a new trial surgery involving removing my tibia and radiating it to drastically to remove my tumour (as little is known about my cancer, this trial treatment was my only choice). The surgery obliterated my bone marrow and my leg was then held together using metal plating. We quickly learned of a possible intolerance to metal that I had due to my frequent and painful infections. Although the surgery was seen as a success over all due to the removal of my tumour, my leg never fully recovered from this initial procedure. 

(Here is 16 year old me after that very first surgery, casually enjoying a fruit shoot)

Over a period of 12 years I went through many surgeries, hospital visits, medical trials and procedures to fuse my tibia back together. I have spent these 12 years with very unpredictable health and mobility, frequently having to go back into wheelchairs and on crutches. On top of losing mobility, I was in pain. The kind of pain that feels truly miserable. I took a cocktail of painkillers for so many years it has begun to have a knock on effect on the rest of my body. I won't list every surgery I have been through over the years, but by the final time my tibia broke in 2019, I had exhausted almost all options the NHS had to offer to fix my leg. 

(Here is 26 year old me, on one of my endless hospital stays to plan treatment for my broken tibia)

In 2019, after years of chronic pain, infections and operations, I was back in hospital with my leg once again broken (just from walking on it). It was at this point I made the decision to have my leg removed below the knee. This was a decision that was incredibly difficult to make, but so easy at the same time. Although I was offered more trial surgery (with very small success rate), I felt that I couldn't go on in chronic pain any longer.

In Feb 2020, I had my amputation. I stick by having my leg amputated being the right choice for my overall health. 2 months after my ampuation, for the first time since I was 15, I was free of all painkillers and medication. This alone was so so liberating, however I wish I had known more about the prosthetic situation on the NHS...

(An hour or so after my chop, clearly enjoying those post-amputation meds)

Although I will be forever grateful for the NHS and have some received some of the most incredible care (and literal life saving treatment), the prosthetic funding does not cover the leg that would improve my mobility and quality of life.

Fast forward to Feb 2021, a year after my amputation, I'm still walking on crutches whilst using my NHS prosthetic leg. Although my amputation has drastically improved my chronic pain, it has not quite fixed the problems with my mobility. There are quite a few reasons as to why my current prosthetic leg does not give me the quality of life I know I'm worthy of having. With the leg I have now, I'm still very restricted. I'm unable to fully lift the weight of my current prosthetic without pain (it is much heavier than my meat leg was!). I can't run on it, I can’t bend the ‘ankle’ part at all, I can't get it wet or use it much in the rain - it's only really designed for shorter term use. The most frustrating part is that I still can't even walk without crutches or for long periods of time (due to discomfort and pain from my liner), let alone begin to get on with things I dream of doing, such as rollerblading and running.

(Feb 2021, walking on crutches with my current prosthetic)

After 9 months of NHS prosthetic trial and error, I made the decision to visit a specialist team at the Ottobock in London and get a quote for a private prosthetic leg. My prosthetist there is confident I can be walking, running and swimming in a prosthetic leg in a very short period of time provided I have the right equipment. From the equipment I was able to sample, I am very confident I would be completely pain-free and fully comfortable with a better prosthetic. The prosthetics Ottobock provide are lightweight, made from waterproof materials and are specifically made for long term use. This clinic will also be providing me with a blade style leg for running in - something not currently offered on the NHS.
 
The cost for this leg will be between £7,000 - £9,000 every 3-5 years. Sadly, metal legs don't last forever and many costly parts will need frequent replacements. The maintenance alone will cost roughly £700 per year. I'm aiming to raise funds to keep me covered for an incredible quality of life for the next 10-15 years. Any contributions will be massively helpful! I am really hoping to raise enough funding to put an end to what has been the most physically and mentally challenging years of my life and to overall be provided with full mobility. 

Your time spent reading this and any support you can provide financially or through shares is so so appreciated! I can't begin to explain how different my life would be with a comfier & more wearable prosthetic leg. The concept of having full mobility has felt out of reach for so many years, this equipment would be truly life changing. 

Endlessly thankful & grateful, Jade xxx