Help Steph Stand Again

February 8th was a typical weekday morning for Stephanie Tufford until she lost feeling and control of her body from the chest down while putting on her socks. Since that morning, Steph has been paralyzed from the chest down.

Steph’s official diagnosis is Transverse Myelitis (TM from here on), which is a swelling in the spine that puts pressure on the spinal nerves, resulting (for Steph and many others) in paralysis. Although Steph doesn’t have a classic spinal cord injury, her spinal nerves cannot transmit the impulses sent by her brain because of the pressure on them from the swelling. Sometimes the cause of TM is apparent, and the treatment is uncomplicated. Unfortunately, this has not been the case for Steph. Steph has endured three different types of treatments, each painful, aggressive, and taxing on her mentally and physically. Each of these treatments has been unsuccessful.

From February 8th until July 26th, which is nearly six months, she was living in the hospital. Steph endured much more than most of us could imagine in those five months. Steph spent the first four days of her hospitalization in the emergency department, which was a horrifying and traumatizing experience. Steph nearly died on her second day in the hospital, and it wasn’t until days later that she realized she had been on life support and so incredibly close to not making it. She had to come to terms with the reality of her paralysis while essentially completely isolated from loved ones due to COVID visitor restrictions. She had to endure painful and risky treatments without anyone to hold her hand. She had to accept that she would need to sell her beloved home and purchase a more accessible condo. Not to mention so many other ups and downs, trials and tribulations. Yet, through this Steph has remained unapologetically Steph and admirably resilient.

The events mentioned above are my personal account of what Steph endured in those six months. When I asked Steph about the important points of her hospital stay, she listed the following events in her own words;

1. Farting in the face of the doctor while he had a needle in her spine

2. Almost kicking the bucket

3. A wild four days in the ER, which she described as living real-life Grey’s Anatomy

4. Having her best friend bathe her (and eventually shave her legs and armpits - what are friends for, right?),

5. “Interesting” roommates, horrible “food,” countless tests, a tube in her neck, not having her hair washed for two months, three different types of treatments, working her butt off in Physiotherapy, and mastering her wheelchair skills in occupational therapy (well it’s still a work in progress)

As you can tell, Steph is still Steph, but she longs for movement and independence.

Those of you who know Steph know she is a bright, hilarious, witty, loving, kind, adventurous, down-for-anything amazing woman. She is also the most remarkable Auntie (and trust me, I know). She loves running, dancing, playing and being silly with her adorable twin nieces. She lives to watch her amazing nephews play ball and hockey. She loves to golf and hike and do yoga and travel and go to the beach and SWIM!

We hope to raise $77,700 to support Steph’s recovery and help give her the best chance at getting back to doing everything she loves. Your generous donations can change Steph’s world.

Below is a breakdown of what we estimate Steph will need for the next 18 months to give her the best chance at recovery.

First Steps Wellness Centre – $40,000

First Steps is a non-profit rehabilitation centre that promotes functional recovery in individuals with spinal cord injury/paralysis. Focusing on promoting functional gains below the level of injury through intensive, activity-based recovery methods.

The physio Steph has done so far has all been based on the utility of being able to send her home, which is helpful but not in line with Steph’s goal for her future. First Steps is Steph’s absolute best chance at rehabilitation. The cost of this is $90/hour, and we hope for her to be able to go for 2 hours a day three days a week, for the next year and a half. Recovery from TM continues for up to two years, and it has already been six months.

Transportation to and from First Steps - $7200

The average one-way trip will cost $20+ (average between taking accessible taxis and transit plus). Steph will need these services to get to and from her Physio, OT and Doctor’s appointments.

Assistive devices - $10,500

Steph and her family have already paid out of pocket for the immediate equipment required (bath lift, electric bed, transfer boards, bed rails, etc.), none of which were covered by insurance.

Accessibility modifications to her home- $15,000

Steph’s condo is mostly accessible but requires a few changes to her kitchen and bathrooms to allow her to function more independently.

Medications/ alternative treatments - $5,000

No matter how insured you are, somehow, not everything is covered. Some of Steph’s medications aren’t being covered by her insurer, as well as vitamins and supplements as recommended by her doctor and naturopath. This amount should cover the next 18 months.

Your donations can change the course of Steph’s life and help her regain her independence. So please give if you are able; even small amounts can add up and mean great change for Steph.

If you prefer to donate in person, donations can be made in Stephanie’s name at Stride Credit Union in Portage la Prairie.

Thank you for your time and generosity; it means the world to Steph and her family.