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Support Her Surgery
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$1,425 raised of
8 donations
Hi, and thank you so much for taking a moment to read this. My goal of reflects the mid-range of my total estimated costs, including pre-surgery strengthening, post-surgery physical therapy, COBRA premiums, transportation for appointments, and essential dog care during recovery.
I’m 52 years old and preparing for a total knee replacement on December 16. After years of chronic pain, instability, and declining mobility, this surgery is the next necessary step toward getting back to a fully functioning, pain-free life.
This isn’t something I would normally ask for help with, but the timing, logistics, and financial realities surrounding this surgery have created challenges I can’t manage alone.
Why I need the surgery
I’ve been living with:
- A torn ACL
- Advanced osteoarthritis
- Bone-on-bone pain
- Increasing difficulty with stairs, walking, and everyday tasks
My doctors agree that a total knee replacement is medically necessary to restore mobility and prevent further damage.
Why this year has been especially difficult
In March, I was part of a company-wide reduction in force. Since then, I’ve been actively interviewing and job searching, but losing my job meant moving to COBRA, which is extremely expensive.
I’m grateful to have coverage at all, but the combination of COBRA premiums, surgery-related costs, and recovering alone has created a financial gap I can’t cover by myself.
What your support would help cover
Pre-surgery strengthening & preparation ($2,640)
To give myself the best possible outcome and reduce complications after surgery, my medical team recommended a comprehensive strengthening plan.
This includes:
- Multiple PT sessions leading up to surgery
- Regular sessions with a certified trainer to build upper-body and leg strength
- Gym fees to complete surgeon prescribed exercises
- Ice therapy supplies, compression wraps, and essential pre-op items
None of these costs are covered, but pre-hab is one of the strongest predictors of a successful knee replacement and faster recovery.
Surgery day + immediate recovery needs ($200–$400)
- A walker, a cane, and mobility equipment
- Medications and post-op care supplies
Post-surgery physical therapy ($1,000–$2,000)
- PT several times a week for multiple weeks
- Transportation to and from physical therapy while I’m unable to drive
- Follow-up appointments and copays
Dog boarding + dog walking ($600–$1,400)
For my safety and my dog’s, I’ll need:
- Boarding immediately after surgery
- Several weeks of dog-walking support
- Occasional check-ins
- Holiday-season pricing is especially high, so this reflects realistic local costs
Living expenses & medical coverage during recovery ($1,000–$2,500)
- COBRA premiums
- Grocery delivery
- Transportation for appointments
- Basic expenses while mobility is limited
Why your support matters
This surgery is my path back to stability, health, and everyday independence. I’m doing everything I can to prepare, strengthen, and stay proactive, but managing this alone, while on COBRA after a job loss, has made this an especially challenging time.
Any support, whether financial or simply sharing this page, means more than I can express. Thank you for reading, caring, and supporting someone you may not even know. This was harder to write than you can imagine.
Cára