Help my friend Lisa and her family during surgery & recovery

Hi everyone, my name is Renee, and I’m reaching out on behalf of my dear friend, Lisa, who is facing an unimaginable struggle right now.

What started as a simple headache and sore neck at the end of November rapidly turned into something far more serious. She has been diagnosed with a cervical spine condition that requires surgery—one that won’t undo the damage already done but is crucial in preventing further complications, worsening pain, and potential long-term disability. In the meantime, she has been unable to work since November. Her last paycheck was on January 2nd, and since then, she has had no income. To make matters worse, her surgery is still waiting to be scheduled, leaving her in limbo—unable to work, unable to recover, and with no relief in sight.

Even after surgery, the road ahead will be grueling. Recovery could take anywhere from 12 weeks to over a year, requiring multiple exhausting two-hour trips (each way) for follow-up care. As if that weren’t enough, her son, Owen, was recently diagnosed with a medical condition that also requires specialist visits at DHMC—another two-hour drive each way—every couple of months. The strain on their family is unimaginable.

Her husband, John, is doing everything he can, but his income is commission-based and drops by nearly half in the winter months. Meanwhile, the bills are mounting—mortgage payments, heating, car loans, insurance—each one another weight pressing down on an already impossible situation. Their bank account is dipping into the negative, and the stress is overwhelming.

I am humbly asking for any help to ease the crushing financial burden this family is facing. Every dollar will go toward keeping their household afloat—covering medical travel costs, keeping up with bills, and ensuring that my friend can focus on healing instead of wondering how they will keep the lights on.

If you’re unable to donate, please consider sharing this. Every bit of support—whether financial or simply spreading the word—makes a difference. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for your kindness, generosity, and compassion during this incredibly difficult time.

With gratitude,

Renee & Friends