Hi, my name is Teresa Slate,

It's difficult to witness family members struggle with health issues, but watching Susie go through years of severe pain and suffering, trying to save her leg, only to lose it is heartbreaking.

 

We are raising funds to help Susie get a prosthetic leg to regain mobility and return to the work she loves.

 

Susie desperately needs our help. A donation of any amount is appreciated!

 

She has Raynaud’s syndrome.

Raynaud’s syndrome: In this condition, blood vessels in the fingers and toes react abnormally to cold temperatures. The blood vessels constrict (narrow), causing a decrease in blood flow to these digits.

People with Raynaud’s syndrome are at risk for gangrene: Gangrene is a serious medical condition in which lack of blood supply to body tissues causes the tissue to die. Although any body tissue can be affected, gangrene most commonly starts in the fingers, toes, hands and feet.

 

Susie’s disease has resulted in her having 5 separate toe amputations.

 

She continues to suffer excruciating pain throughout her multiple treatments.

Bedridden for 6 months, she has had two blood transfusions during the multiple operations trying to stop the spread of the gangrene.

 

As the disease has progressed, she recently endured an attempt to stop the spread by having bypass surgery on her leg (see photos. WARNING GRAPHIC!!) This operation didn’t work. As a result, the decision was made to amputate her leg just below the knee.

 

Susie has been a special needs teacher for the last 17 years, specializing in teaching amazing and beautiful special needs children. She also cares for two adult children of her own with autism.

 

Her final paycheck will be the first week of April this year (2022)!

 

Susie’s wish is to go back to work and to be able to drive and continue to be independent. She is hoping she will be able to water her garden and be able to move about without assistance.

The best way for her to gain freedom and independence is with a prosthetic leg.

 

We are asking for help to acquire the needed prosthetic leg, get it fitted, and to obtain the associated therapy needed to walk again.

 

The prosthesis alone will cost up to $15,000 (lasting for only 8 months before having to purchase a new prostetic). Additional fees for fitting and continued medical support and physical therapy (that can take up to a year to learn to walk again) will be cost $5,000-10,000.





(Warning the following photos are graphic)