Funds for Katie Buser due to sudden paraplegia

Hello, my name is Katie Buser. My husband, Josh, and I live in Norman, Oklahoma. We have been married for 37 years and have a wonderful grown son who also lives here in Norman. I've worked in an optometry practice for almost 16 years. Josh has worked at All Saints Catholic School here in Norman for 20 years. It is difficult for us to ask for this kind of help when we have always tried to be on the giving side in times of need, but this is unavoidable. Thank you for letting me tell you about why we are asking.

I had surgery in Houston, TX, right before Christmas in 2023 to repair my descending aorta (the largest artery) which had a dangerously large aneurysm. After the surgery, the surgeon told my family that the aorta would not have lasted much longer. Prior to the eight-hour surgery, he had told us of two risks/complications - lack of blood flow to the spinal cord, and injury to the vocal cords. We believed that, in the hands of this world-renowned and highly recommended surgeon, the risks were relatively low. Not having this surgery would have meant certain death.

However, the surgery left me in a wheelchair unable to stand, walk, or use my legs in any way. In addition, my left vocal cord is paralyzed, and despite two procedures to improve it, my formerly strong voice is very weak and I cough a lot.

I am currently 60 years old. Before the surgery, I was an active, hard-working person and have been my entire life. I plan and want to return to work, but as any paraplegic who has suddenly lost the ability to walk, I suffer from shock and depression, trying to battle the side effects of medication while healing and desperately wanting to regain my strength and mobility, even if limited, and find peace and purpose in life again. I am also relying on my faith in God and his plans for me and can't imagine going through this without feeling his presence and love, and the prayers of family and friends.

I plan to work hard to improve my strength and regain the use of my legs. My husband and son are making heroic efforts to care for me. In the morning, my routine to get up and dressed and in my chair takes about three hours; my evening routine, about two hours. Many other family members and friends are helping me but this will be almost impossible to sustain without outside help. It will take more assistance than what insurance will pay for. My faith in God has sustained me this far, and I just keep praying for strength and guidance for each moment.

The funds from this gofundme will go towards the current and anticipated expenses due to sudden paraplegia and the loss of income while unable to work.

• Our insurance will only cover 25 visits a year for outpatient physical therapy and occupational therapy.

• We face extremely high co-pays and deductibles for both 2023 and 2024.

• Our home will need modifications to accommodate a powered wheelchair.

• What we expected to be a one-week stay in Houston for surgery and recovery ended up being seven weeks of lodging and travel expenses for family members.

• Many of the required prescriptions and equipment are not covered by our insurance.

• Our insurance does not cover the use of a home health aide.

Our goal is $50,000 to help with medical expenses and lost income.

Thank you for any help you can give us. My insurance benefits will run out long before I can walk again, which is my ultimate goal. Do not hesitate to ask me any questions that come to mind. May God be with you always.