I’m creating this GoFundMe for my cousin Kimberlin— someone I love deeply — to help her through one of the hardest times in her life. Kim is proud and hard-working, and she would never ask for help on her own. She’s always been the one helping others — the kind of person who shows up for family, friends, and coworkers no matter what she’s going through. But after a long battle with worsening back issues and an unexpected emergency surgery, she truly needs our support.

In March 2024, Kim went to a chiropractor for back pain caused by two bulging discs (L4 and L5). After just a week of treatments, she suddenly found herself needing crutches to walk. Since then, she’s been through an exhausting year of appointments with neurosurgeons, pain specialists, physical therapy, and multiple injections — all in the hope of finding relief.

Unfortunately, her most recent MRI showed that things had gotten worse. The top of her spine was compressing the lower part, and her neurosurgeon warned that if she didn’t have surgery soon, she could lose the ability to walk. Even though she was scared, she decided to move forward and schedule the surgery — but before she could, her condition deteriorated so quickly that she had to be rushed into emergency spinal fusion surgery on Sept 8, 2025.

Her surgery was complex and longer than expected due to complications. The procedure included the fusion of her lower spine, partial bone and disc removal, and the insertion of a stabilizing cage and mesh device to protect her spinal cord and nerves. Her neurosurgeon initially thought she’d be able to return to work in about six weeks, but now says she’ll need a much longer (at least 3 months) recovery to ensure her spine heals properly.

Kim has always been strong and independent, but being unable to work while medical bills, physical therapy costs, and daily expenses pile up has been overwhelming. I’m organizing this fundraiser to help relieve some of that stress so she can focus fully on healing.

Funds from this GoFundMe will go toward her recovery expenses — including medical bills, physical therapy, and living costs while she’s unable to work.

If you’re able to help — no matter the amount — it would mean the world to Kim and our family. Every donation helps her focus on recovery instead of worrying about bills. Please also keep her in your prayers and share this with anyone who might want to help.

Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for taking the time to read, donate, and share.