Sometimes life throws challenges that feel impossible to overcome.

Our beautiful friend Karlee is currently back in hospital, recovering from her seventh rib repair surgery in just 19 months. What began as treatment for slipping rib syndrome has become increasingly complex. Today, the entire left side of her ribs is supported with bio mesh and screws, many of which have had to be repaired or replaced after screws from previous surgeries loosened, leading to further damage and fractures in her ribs.

In late November, Karlee underwent another surgery, followed by two more in December. During this time, a titanium plate was removed and replaced with bio mesh, and her 12th rib, which had fractured in two, had to be removed entirely. Each of her ribs from 7 to 11 is now supported with mesh, secured by six 13mm screws in each rib after the smaller screws used previously continued to loosen and cause further fractures. Most recently, in March, she has undergone yet another major surgery.

As if this wasn’t enough, after enduring so many procedures in such a short time, Karlee began developing symptoms of Multiple Sclerosis. In November 2025, she was diagnosed with MS. While beginning treatment, she was still having to face ongoing surgeries and recovery.

Alongside the physical toll, the mental and emotional strain has been immense. Multiple surgeries have been cancelled or postponed, creating an ongoing cycle of uncertainty, stress, and emotional exhaustion for Karlee and her family.

Through it all, Karlee has faced each surgery with incredible strength and positivity, always hoping each one would bring her closer to finally getting her life back. Despite repeated setbacks and ongoing pain, her focus has never wavered from her children and her fiancé, Gabby. Her love for them and determination to reclaim her life is nothing short of inspiring.

As one of Karlee’s many friends, I’m sharing this because we see how much this family has been carrying. The emotional toll is immense, but the financial strain is now becoming overwhelming. With Karlee unable to work and Gabby needing to care for their girls, their income has been significantly reduced. On top of that are the ongoing costs, travel to and from hospital, parking, and everyday living expenses.

We don’t know what the road ahead will look like for Karlee. What we do know is that she shouldn’t have to face it under the weight of financial stress as well.

We are hoping to raise funds to help ease the financial pressure this family is under during this incredibly difficult time. The costs are ongoing and add up quickly, and this support will help relieve some of that stress so Karlee and her family can focus on what truly matters: her recovery, her health, and time together as a family.

We can’t take away Karlee’s pain, but together, we can help carry some of the burden.

Any support, big or small, will make a meaningful difference. Thank you so much for your kindness, generosity, and for standing with Karlee and her family.