As I celebrate my milestone 60th birthday (b. April 19, 1966), I’m reaching out for your help to make essential safety modifications to my home.

Many of you know that I have battled osteoarthritis, degenerative disc disease, and spinal stenosis for over twenty years and have had nearly as many surgeries because of it. I now require a wheelchair to get around. In fact, December 17, 2024, is the last day I walked. I have been working hard in both physical and occupational therapy, but I still have a long road ahead of me to get back on my feet. Since my insurance doesn’t cover a wheelchair ramp, platform/stair lift, or interior safety modifications, I am financially responsible for these things.

Last year, I underwent two lumbar spine surgeries to regain lower-body mobility. This January (2026), I had a knee replacement revision surgery, followed by a six-week stay in a sub-acute rehabilitation facility with daily physical and occupational therapy.

My first surgery was ten years ago and my most recent was January 2026, but the others in between are listed below:

2016

• Lumbar spinal fusion

• Lumbar spinal fusion revision

• Lumbar spinal fusion revision

2017

• Total left knee arthroplasty a.k.a. left knee replacement

• Left knee replacement revision

• Left knee replacement revision

2018

• Thoracic spinal fusion

• Thoracic spinal fusion revision

2019

• Right hip replacement

• Right hip replacement revision

• Right hip replacement revision

• Right hip replacement revision

2020

• Anterior cervical (neck) discectomy and fusion, ACDF

• Posterior cervical discectomy and fusion, PCDF

2021

• Lumbar spinal fusion revision

• Right hip removal via Girdlestone procedure

2025

• Lumbar nerve decompression

• Lumbar nerve decompression revision

2026

• Left knee replacement revision-Removal of joint hardware due to infection and dislocation

After an exhaustive 18-month search for solutions to safely access my home and modify the interior, I’ve come up short. I’ve contacted non-profit organizations for financial assistance, seeking not just a handout but support for the necessary modifications—especially those which create a fire hazard by trapping me in the house. While I’ve come close, I still haven’t been able to secure the accessibility or ADA-compliant modifications I need for my home.

I require a ramp or platform lift (costing $17,000–$22,000), and bathroom upgrades in excess of $20,000, including a low-threshold shower (materials & installation), support bars, etc. to ensure my safety and independence while using a wheelchair or other mobility aid. For full transparency and accountability, I wish to disclose that the goal amount for my gofundme campaign will be adjusted based on completion of each portion of the total project. For example, when the ramp/platform, etc. is completed the amount commensurate with that portion of the project will be used to adjust the total goal amount as determined by gofundme.

• A contingency amount of 13% of the entire project is included as a cushion for unexpected costs of the total amount.

I didn’t come lightly to the decision to do a GoFundMe. I’m a relatively private person, and I prefer helping others rather than asking for help. But after exhausting all other options, I’m asking for support to make these vital changes to my home and to eliminate the fire hazard situation that I live with daily.

My faith plays a central role in my journey, and it is a large factor in what keeps me going. I believe that with daily prayers, dr the support of friends and family(Karla is her sister’s keeper ✊), hard work in both my physical and occupational therapy, and God’s grace, I WILL stand and walk again. One of my ultimate goals is to return to my garden and be a steward of God’s bounty once more.

I’ll keep you updated on my progress and recovery as well as the progress of the modifications. Your prayers, referrals, contributions, shares, replies, etc. mean everything to me. Thank you for supporting me on this journey. GOD BLESS YOU.