Kelley Stultz has been my dear friend for 20 years, and I’ve witnessed her strength and kindness through every challenge. Now, she’s facing an incredibly complex and painful medical journey. Kelley suffered a bilateral fracture in her lower spine, which has led to spondylolisthesis—her vertebrae are unstable where the fractures exist—and nerve compression on both sides. The only way forward is spinal fusion surgery to stabilize her spine. Once her spine is stabilized, she’ll finally be able to have the total hip replacement she needs for her previous injuries.

Kelley’s situation has been made even more difficult by her employer canceling her health insurance and then laying her off because she couldn’t return to work. While she’s been granted financial assistance from UW Medicine for medically necessary procedures, her spine surgery has been classified as elective and isn’t covered. For two years, Kelley has been caught in a complicated web of medical, insurance, and employment challenges, all while living with daily pain and uncertainty.

The funds raised here will go directly toward Kelley’s spinal fusion surgery, her future hip replacement, medical bills, and the support she’ll need to recover and rebuild her life. Kelley is truly a person with a heart of gold, and she deserves nothing but an outpouring of love and support right now. If you’re able, please consider helping her overcome this extremely difficult moment. Your generosity can give Kelley a new chance to live life again, and we are deeply grateful for any support you can offer.