Help Sydney Get Life-Changing Spinal Care in the USA

On July 21, 2023, Sydney’s life was turned upside down. While stopped at a red light, her car was rear-ended by a driver who had fallen asleep at the wheel, propelling her vehicle nearly 8 feet forward. She was rushed to the hospital by ambulance, where a CT scan revealed whiplash. In the days that followed, Sydney developed severe concussion symptoms and sought further care at another hospital, where she was diagnosed with a concussion based solely on symptoms—no additional imaging was conducted.

Since that day, Sydney’s health has drastically declined. Once a vibrant, active 25-year-old, she now relies on mobility aids, including a cane, walker, and wheelchair. Most of her time is spent confined inside her home. She is couch-bound or bed-bound, leaving home only for essential medical appointments. Walking, even with assistance, is a daily struggle. She can no longer drive, work, or complete basic daily tasks without her mother’s help, including bathing and dressing.

To manage her symptoms, Sydney must wear a cervical collar 24/7. Without it, she becomes hypersensitive to light and sound. Simple activities like brushing her hair or climbing stairs cause her heart rate to spike dangerously, putting her at risk of fainting unless she immediately lies down.

Sydney’s condition has left her with over 30 debilitating physical and neurological symptoms. These challenges have robbed her of her independence and quality of life. Before the accident, Sydney was a healthy young woman who loved running and lifting weights multiple times a week, working full-time, travelling and enjoying an active social life. Now, she depends entirely on others for nearly every aspect of daily living.

After months of misdiagnoses and frustration, Sydney was finally diagnosed with Cranio-Cervical Instability (CCI) by two world-renowned specialists outside of Canada. Unfortunately, there are no doctors qualified to treat this condition within the Canadian healthcare system. Despite fighting for over a year, Sydney has been unable to get OHIP to cover the necessary testing and treatment.

Plan for Treatment

Sydney’s best chance lies in accessing care in the United States. She has been in contact with Dr. Paolo Bolognese, the world’s leading neurosurgeon for CCI, based in New York. After reviewing her case, Dr. Bolognese determined that she is a candidate for Invasive Cervical Traction and Intracranial Pressure Bolt (ICP/ICT) testing. This thorough diagnostic process will determine if Sydney qualifies for Cranio-Cervical Fusion surgery, which could give her the chance to live a life without debilitating symptoms; a life with freedom.

Without this testing and likely surgery, Sydney faces a future of severe disability. These procedures represent her only hope of regaining independence and rebuilding the life she dreams of—a life where she can work, get married one day, and live without the limitations caused by her condition.

Costs

The cost of the ICP/ICT testing alone is $25,000 USD (approximately $35,953 CAD). In addition, Sydney will need to undergo medical clearance assessments with specialists in New York, including:

The additional $4,000CAD on top of the $35,953CAD is to help pay for these specialist appointments and travel to and from London, ON to NY, USA.

How You Can Help

Asking for help is not easy, but Sydney has exhausted every other option. The Canadian healthcare system has failed to provide the necessary care for her rare and complex condition, leaving her no choice but to seek treatment abroad.

Your support can make all the difference in giving Sydney the chance to reclaim her life. Every donation, no matter the size, brings her one step closer to the care she desperately needs.

Thank you for reading Sydney’s story and for considering a donation to help her get life-saving medical care. Together, we can help Sydney take the first step toward living without the limitations of this devastating condition.