Hi, my name is Valerie and I am fundraising for one of my dearest friends, Jennifer Riley.

Jennifer was rising to the top as a new face in the baking industry. Having her specially crafted cakes appearing in magazines, online and also showcasing her baking skills when her team won first place on the Food Network's Big Bake.

Unfortunately only a few days after her episode aired, she slipped on ice and fell injuring her elbow which required surgery. After this occurred a new set of issued arised. Jennifer started having the most unimaginable pain, that started to also radiate throughout her left arm, and also her spine. As the pain kept spreading and continuing for longer and longer lengths of time, Jennifer was diagnosed with Complex Regional Pain Syndrome also know as CRPS Type 2.

CPRS is a rare and recognized as one of the most painful conditions known to medicine. It ranks at the very top of the McGill Pain Scale, surpassing fibromyalgia, amputation, birth and trigeminal neuralgia. The Cleveland Clinic website states that "CRPS is a neurological condition that causes extreme pain and other symptoms in your extremities". CRPS causes an extreme overreaction to pain signals that the brain cannot turn off, even when you heal from an injury the body continues to feel intense acute pain. Sadly there is no cure.

What has followed is numerous doctor appointments, countless surgeries (including her rotator cuff and bicep pain, which was overpowered by the pain caused by CRPS). Visiting the Toronto Western Pain Clinic to be approved for a Spinal Cord Stimulator (SCS) implant. This is also no easy feat to receive, as rigorous testing, psychological evaluations, and a two week trial where the lead is inserted into the spine, and the battery operated device was taped externally. All of these requirements must be completed before permanent implantation.

After the 2 week trial period was completed, Jennifer was approved to have the permanent implantation. Unfortunately complications arose. The incision was not healing properly. Jennifer had to return to Toronto to have the doctors drain excess fluids, but the relief was only temporary. Soon a pain all to familiar began to develop where the lead, and battery implantion device was located. Sadly the device had to be removed completely but the pain never subsided.

Not only has CRPS effected Jennifer physically but it has also taken a major toll on her mentally. Jennifer is unable to work, and won't be able to work in the future. This is where she no longer had financial stability, which has led to anxiety and depression as well. During all of this process, Jennifer continued to receive multiple opportunities from the baking world (more television appearances, etc) which she is unable to accept. This only adds to additional stress and mental pain.

As Jennifer is still navigating this new life with CRPS she will require ongoing treatments, and require in home services to assist in daily living tasks (chopping vegetables, fruits, stirring/mixing, cleaning, washing and folding laundry). Without receiving assistance in these areas, Jennifer faces intense unbearable flares of pain which can last for months (yes, you read that right..MONTHS) at time.

Please join me in raising funds for Jennifer to receive a better quality of life while processing and living with CRPS!

Thank you for reading.

Valerie