<div>May 5, 2026
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<div>I never thought i would have to do this again.
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<div>Two years ago, many of you helped me undergo my first cervical fusion (C0–C2). I will always be grateful for that generosity and support—it helped stabilize the most damaged part of my neck after my accident.
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<div>Unfortunately, it became clear shortly after that surgery that my injuries were far more extensive than initially understood and my journey to recovery was not over. After months of testing we discovered my entire cervical spine was unstable—every joint in my neck had been damaged in the accident— I now require a full cervical fusion (C0–T3): a complete neck reconstruction with rods and screws from my skull to my upper back to stabilize my spine.
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<div>I have gone through the full process for funding through the Canadian healthcare system including a formal out-of-country funding application and appeal.
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<div><strong>I was denied today.</strong>
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<div>I have followed every step available to me and still received a denial. I am now facing a 10-level spinal fusion surgery scheduled for June 3rd without funding support. The surgery will be with Dr. Bolognese at Mount Sinai in New York.
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<div>As a result, I am now trying to find a way forward for myself and my family.
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<div>We are now in an untenable situation as I face a life-changing surgery without government support.
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<div>Why I need help:
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<div>This surgery is intended to restore stability to my spine, improve my function and reduce further risk of deterioration. At present, I am unable to function normally in daily life and remain largely dependent on a cervical collar for stabilization and support.
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<div>No part of this has been anything but extraordinarily painful, gut-wrenching, and disorienting in ways I never knew were possible.
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<div>What remains constant is the love I have for my husband and my children and my desire to be present in their lives again.
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<div>I am holding on to the hope that better days are still ahead.
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<div>We have gotten as far as we have because of every donation, hug , word of encouragement and the messages of support that have come from our amazing community. It is truly our friends, family, and community who have got us here and there isn’t enough thanks in the world for all of you.
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<div>Thank you for standing with me and my family during this incredibly difficult time.
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<div>Sincerely,
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<div>Tamara
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<div>** The cost of the surgery is $312,293. I have updated the fundraising goal to reflect the full procedure and associated costs, including hospital fees, surgeon, anesthesia, plastic surgery, as well as travel, accommodation, and recovery-related expenses. $85,000 was already generously raised toward my first stage of care
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<div>Hello, my name is Allana Polo and I am advocating on behalf of my sister Tamara Polo and her family. An unfortunate and tragic event happened 7 months ago and my dear sister and her family need all the support and prayers they can get.
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<div>As many of you know, Tamara was hit by a car in the Costco parking lot as a pedestrian Sept 14, 2023 in Calgary. The person ran two stop signs and plowed right in to her. She suffered serious head, neck and back trauma and hasn’t recovered.
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<div>Tamara always was a vibrant, healthy and strong mother of 3 young beautiful kids, and a caring wife. Her family all want and need nothing more than to get her back to life. Getting her healthy is her family’s #1 priority.
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<div>The career that she loves has been taken away from her and she has been bedridden for 7 months suffering daily from extensive symptoms associated with her neck.
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<div>Tamara and Richard have sought out medical expertise in Canada ,Europe and the United States all at their own expense to find the appropriate treatment for her complicated case.
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<div>Over the last six months, they have worked tirelessly to receive help here within Canada and have gone to different doctors and neurosurgeons in the country to receive help, all to no avail.
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<div>The treatment she will need to help get her health back on track is unfortunately in the United States. She will need an extensive neck surgery called a Craniocervical Fusion which will fuse together all the bones of her cervical spine to her skull so that her head will be able to be supported by her neck.
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<div>There are very few neurosurgeons in the world that can perform a surgery of this complexity.
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<div>The good news is, one of them, Dr Bolognese in New York has agreed to accept her case. He believes he can help Tamara and a surgery date is scheduled for April 17th, 2024.
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<div>As a result of this surgery being unavailable in Canada, Richard and Tamara will be going to New York with no provincial funding or insurance .
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<div>This is a long and complicated procedure and comes with many risks. If all goes well, the recovery will be over a year, and Tamara will lose range of motion in her neck. The surgery alone will cost $315,000.
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<div>I have set up this Go Fund Me campaign with the primary objective of providing Tamara and Richard assistance with the cost of Tamara’s surgery ,the travel, consultation and testing. Including the surgery they are facing a bill in excess of $450,000.
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<div>Please help my sister’s family get back to a life that they love. All her kids have been asking for is a doctor to fix mommy's neck and we have finally found him.
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<div>Your support has not gone unseen during this challenging time. All the meals, cards, treats, thoughts, prayers, help with the kids, support, calls and well wishes have kept this family alive. They can feel the love and thank you!!
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<div>Let’s help them get to better days ahead. Richard and Tamara have generosity of spirit and always give back to others, their friends and their community. It’s time for us to rally around them. Our family is grateful for any contribution you can make whether it's through a donation, sharing this campaign or words of encouragement.
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<div>Thank you for joining us in this collective effort to support Tamara's family during this trying time. Your generosity will make a meaningful impact on Tamara's journey back to health.
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<div>Thank you and we will keep you all posted!
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Anonymous

Renee Cockrell

SYTSE LEENDERS

Kevin M. Campbell

Gail Ksienski

Aisling Denieffe

Anna Murray

Peter Ferrucci

Cheryl Zack

Mardi Baum

Menachem Benjaminson

Ruth McGroarty

Jaye Ursulescu

Carol Obront

Ethan Bar-Hen

Hope for Tamara, surgery and recovery fund.

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Hope for Tamara, surgery and recovery fund.

Still $149,436 to go. Help us build momentum.