Help Kelly-Joe's Spinal Cord Tumor Recovery

Hello, my name is Kelly-Joe and I was recently diagnosed with a rare spinal cord tumor in my neck called an Intramedullary Ependymoma at the C6/C7 level of the cervical spine. Which is a fancy name to say the tumor was actually inside the spinal cord. I have been experiencing symptoms as far back as early as 2014 maybe even before. It started as very severe headaches and migraines that were very frequent, chronic neck pain, dizziness that lasted for days and bilateral arm numbness and weakness.

I did my surgery on February 22, 2023. I survived an 8+ hour surgery (Laminectomy with complete tumor resection) which left me with some nerve damage post-op. I have numbness and hypersensitivity from the right side of my ribcage down to my toes, balance problems and paresthesia ("pins & needles") in both legs. I cannot "feel" the ground when I am standing which also added to my balance issues. I cannot stand, walk or sit up for too long and I get fatigued very quickly. I also have limited range of motion in my neck & shoulders so I cannot twist, bend or lift anything over 10 lbs. After 3 days in ICU, a few days in the regular ward then over 1 week in Rehab, I was sent home.

I am asking for your assistance with my medical expenses that have accrued throughout my diagnosis and treatment, rent, utilities, food, and more. No matter how small it is I will greatly appreciate it. I am still left with high out-of-pocket costs from my Neurologist & Neurosurgeon visits, MRIs/XRays, blood tests, surgery, hospital stay and in/outpatient rehab treatments. I worked full-time as a Surgical Technician where I was constantly moving on my feet for long periods but due to my nerve damage and other symptoms post-op, my recovery is slow and long. Even when I go back to work, I will not be able to work full-time for a while making it difficult to get caught up on my medical expenses and put me behind on my other monthly expenses like rent & utilities.

As mentioned above, all funds raised will be allocated towards my monthly expenses like rent, utilities, food and more for the time I will be out of work and my medical expenses which include my out-of-pocket costs leading up to my surgery and now during recovery which will include additional tests and long-term Physical Therapy. I know times are difficult, so if you're not able to make a donation I am asking if you could share my story on social media to support.

I appreciate your help and THANK YOU in advance.

xxx Kelly-Joe

I will attach a picture below for reference.