My name is Jodi Litchfield, and I am starting this GoFundMe for my stepdaughter, Jessica Litchfield Friend. Jessica was born and raised in Middlebury, Vermont, but she moved to Clemmons, North Carolina, for a new job one year ago. She has four children although only three are currently living with her. When she was 14 years old, we found out that she was born with a mild form of Scoliosis. People with Scoliosis are commonly born with something called a Pars Defect. This is where L4 and L5 vertebrae are inverted and not aligned correctly which compromises the spine. Jess has now developed a condition called Spondylolisthesis. This is when the vertebrae detach from the spine, begin to rub together, and become misaligned. It can commonly happen in one area, but she has it in two places. This is a strong indication of future breaks.

When the vertebrae slip too far, it can press on nerves and cause severe back pain or nerve crowding that produces leg pain or numbness. Severe Spondylolisthesis may require surgery, and her surgery has been scheduled for the middle of June. During the surgery, the L4 and L5 vertebrae need to be removed and titanium rods put in their place. Once the rods are in place, they will re-fuse them to the top and bottom of her spine where the breaks are located. In addition to this, her spine is deteriorating at an accelerated rate. She has been told by medical professionals that she has the spine of a 50 year old woman despite the fact that she is only 34 years old. The initial recovery is 6 weeks, but she will require Physical Therapy 3 times a week for months. She could be out of work for as little as 6 months or as long as 12 months depending upon how the surgery goes. Without this surgery, she will most likely be in a wheelchair in the next 12 months.

Jessica’s health insurance has an astronomical deductible of $8,000 which she is required to pay up front. Without that amount, she is unable to get the surgery at all. In addition to that, she will owe 10-20% more after the surgery. Further, she will need at least 2 months of living expenses and possibly several more than that. We are desperate for any funds to help with this as the surgery will not be possible without it. The pain that she experiences on a daily basis is severe and beyond comprehension. She limps and has trouble standing at times as well as sitting at times. She is struggling to work, live comfortably, and raise her children.

Please consider helping us with any amount of money; it will all be used directly for the surgery or for living expenses after that time. Thank you in advance for your consideration!!