Help Rescue a Rescue Volunteer

On August 19 our friend Tammy fell approximately 15 feet while getting a bale of hay down from the loft at a horse rescue facility where she volunteers.  She was transported by ambulance to the hospital to assess the extent of her injuries.  After a thorough exam, monitoring and X-rays and besides the shock trauma suffered by her body after falling from such a height, Tammy had shattered the heel bone in both feet.  To determine the extent of the fractures, a CT Scan was obtained.  The shattering of the heel bone in both feet was so extensive, surgery to pin, screw and plate the pieces back together was Tammy's only option if she wanted to walk again.  Due to the massive swelling, bruising and blisters, surgery would have to wait a week.  They would only be able to do one foot due to the estimated time it would take to piece her heel back together.  That meant she would have to undergo a second surgery a week later for the second foot.  Tammy's left foot was plated, pinned and screwed back together.  Her right foot, however, was much worse and not only needed plates, pins and screws, but human donor tissue.  They also discovered she had completely ruptured two ligaments and a completely ruptured tendon. 

Because this surgery was so delicate, Tammy would not be able to bear weight on her feet and would be wheelchair bound for approximately 10-12 weeks.  If all goes well, she will be able to start a very limited weight-bearing process that would last an additional 10-12 weeks.  Her husband, Mike, had to take a leave of absence from work because their health insurance does not provide for Home Health Care.

The scary part is, this has left them with only a base income that will not cover monthly expenses for an undetermined amount of time due to the extent, severity and uncertainty of her injuries.  Their health insurance will not cover the extended care, rehab or the additional medications needed for her to get healthy again.  Costs are mounting and unknown costs linger.  Tammy is an amazing person who volunteers her time, while working full-time and is always there for her family and friends.  We would love to give back to her.  Please help Tammy get back on her feet,  put food on the table and get the continued medical care she needs to fully recover.