Helping Kirsten Steiner to Walk Again

Hi, my name is Jaci and I am fundraising for my friend and neighbor, Kirsten. I sincerely apologize for the delay in updating you all!

Current update 12/13/2021:

We have received some pushback from Kirsten's insurance regarding a flexible ankle piece that she needs for her prosthetic. This simply means we need more detailed notes regarding the need for this specific piece. Kirsten had an appointment with Dr. Seller at OSMS in Neenah on December 1st and he is just as frustrated as we are. He is in agreement with her needing this flexible ankle piece. We added him to the team in August of 2021. He is extremely knowledgeable in what this process takes and has been a true asset and blessing.

After getting together with Dr. Seiler, he will be working on and sending notes to Kirsten's insurance company to make sure we have everything we need to get her flexible ankle piece approved. Although this is extremely frustrating and it's going to take a little more time... spirits are still high! 

Martin Bionics (the Oklahoma company that is building the prosthetic) is keeping Kirsten a priority. They are ready to go as soon as we can get the approval through. Thank you all so much for your continued support and well wishes. It means the world to Kirsten and all of us here. Hoping you all have a safe and happy holiday season! 

Below is a message from Kirsten:

"With a heavy heart, I have decided I need some help to finish this journey I've been on since 2016. I've kept quiet, not telling many of you because it has been such a difficult thing to come to terms with. Those closest here know and I hope I offend no one by reaching out now. It is incredibly hard to ask for this help but it is something I need to do.

Since 2016, I have been struggling with chronic nausea but in April of 2019, I became severely ill. No one could pinpoint the cause. I became malnourished to the point where my organs began to fail and no one caught it. My situation became so grave that I was found unconscious on my kitchen floor. Unfortunately, my kidneys suffered badly to where I needed dialysis. They were able to recover enough to go off of the dialysis after 6 months but unfortunately, I am living with the consequences of stage 3 kidney disease.

In addition, and this is the toughest part to talk about, my left leg was badly damaged and I ended up losing my right leg at the knee. I had no idea what a life changing loss this would become. After 2 and a half years of insurance denials to get a prosthetic, I finally received a partial approval to get a new leg.

My health this year has been challenging and my hope is that getting mobile will really change things. With the help of therapy, my left leg has come back strong! I have worked very hard to get to where a prosthetic is possible and within reach. I have been working with the great folks at Martin Bionics/Prosthetics in Oklahoma City, OK. They have been a key part in making this all come together and at a priority level to protect my health. Their support and sense of urgency has encouraged me to ask for this help. They are aiming for the first week of November which means I would be walking again before the holidays. It is such an incredible gift.

I am looking to help cover the percentage of the prosthetic limb cost after insurance, medical expenses and the travel to Oklahoma for a week that will change my life. I thank everyone in abundance and please know that your thoughts and prayers are greatly appreciated!"

With love,

Kirsten Steiner/Ludwikowski