Kristina Hruby Iowa Surgery Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome

Our sister, cousin and niece, Kristina Hruby (formerly Kirkeby), has just received word that her much-awaited neurosurgery for a debilitating condition related to Ehlers Danlos Syndrome has been scheduled for late June. This is great news. We have hope that the surgery will help relieve the severe pain and dysfunction she has been battling these past several years.

Thirty-one-year-old Kristina was diagnosed with Ehlers Danlos Syndrome (EDS) shortly after her six-year-old son, Shane, was born. EDS is a genetic disorder that affects connective tissues which provide strength and elasticity to the underlying structures of the body, primarily the skin, joints and blood vessels - which means it affects every body system. Kristina’s spinal cord, which should be free floating, is pinned down. This condition results in spasms, contractions, and tremors that greatly affect her daily living. In addition, the current dislocation of her hips and tailbone has resulted in balance issues and difficulty walking. Along with the severe EDS, Kristina has multiple co-existing conditions for which she receives ongoing care from specialists in gastroenterology, ophthalmology, dermatology, pulmonary, cardiology, and allergy and immunology.

Since the manifestation of EDS, Kristina has spent many long days in emergency rooms, hospitals, doctor’s offices, and clinics, including the Mayo Clinic in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Kristina previously traveled from her home in Des Moines, Iowa, to South Carolina for two surgeries which were of some help. Now due to the ongoing effects of the syndrome, Kristina and her medical team have determined she requires further medical intervention. This long-awaited neurosurgery will detether her spinal cord, allowing her to resume her daily living without the extreme pain and immobility with which she has been living.

Kristina will need to travel to the Center for CFS Disorders of Brain and Spine in Providence, Rhode Island, for the specialized surgery. The surgery will require a three-day stay in the hospital. After release from the hospital, Kristina will be required to stay in Providence for recovery for at least two weeks. Her doctor will need to release her after sufficient healing before she can fly home. Kristina’s health insurance will partially cover the procedure. In addition to picking up the rest of the surgery cost, Kristina will have other out-of-pocket expenses for lodging, food and medically-related expenses during her two-week recovery time in Rhode Island and after care once she returns to Iowa.

Kristina, who is a single mother, is extremely worried about how the expenses will be covered during this period. She has already incurred what seems like an insurmountable burden of expense for past surgeries and medical treatments, along with the high cost of ongoing maintenance care. Now she is facing an expensive surgery on the East Coast. We are hoping you will help by making a donation to help Kristina with her medical, travel and lodging expenses for this much-needed surgery and her mountain of past medical bills. With your help, Kristina will be able to focus on her health and recovery and not financial issues. Any donation amount will be greatly appreciated.

Total Goal: $40,000

1. Out of Town Surgery and 2 Week On-Site Recovery (SubTotal $ 20,000)

a. Surgery Co-Pay ($5000 -$10,000)

b. Travel, Lodging, Food ($ 4000)

c. After Care at Home Expense ($ 5000): home nursing, physical therapy, medications

2. Retire Debt from Prior Surgeries, Treatments, Related Travel/Expenses (SubTotal $20,000)

a. Two Surgeries in South Carolina (and related travel)

b. Local ER visits, Mayo Clinic, MD visits, Medications

Thank you so much!

Dan Hruby, Cole Grunzweig, Paul Grunzweig