Let's Love Laura

Laura Troutman has struggled with a disabling illness for over 7 years. So many of us have been asking, “How can I help?” So I decided to set up this campaign to help Laura raise funds for her upcoming surgery and rehabilitation. Laura has finally found a solution and very possibly cure to her condition. Unfortunately, the cost of the surgery itself and rehabilitation is very steep and out of reach for The Troutmans.

Over 7 years ago, Laura went from being a healthy, strong, vibrant woman to a very sick lady in a matter of seconds. She initially thought she was having a stroke when she was struck with her first migraine that was accompanied with severe facial pain, vertigo, nausea and vomiting, sleep disturbances, double and blurred vision and memory loss. Fortunately, she did not have a stroke but what was it?? Laura has lived with these symptoms constantly for over 7 years without ever receiving the proper diagnosis. She has seen many specialists, including the best neurologists on the East Coast. Laura has tried over 40 medications, has had two minor surgeries, over ten procedures, has been hospitalized 4 times, received multiple Occipital Nerve Blocks, tried Botox for migraines, tried Physical Therapy and acupuncture, received chiropractic care for almost one year…AND NOTHING EVER HELPED TO RELIEVE HER SYMPTOMS! Can you imagine the toll on her and her family physically, emotionally and financially?

After 7 long years of advocating for her own health, Laura finally has the proper diagnosis and promise of a cure. Laura has significant pooling of Cerebral Spinal Fluid (CSF) in her brain due to cervical disc herniations at C5/6 and C6/7 that are interrupting the flow of CSF to and from her brain. Laura is planning to have Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion surgery in her neck on June 20th. This surgery will clear her CSF ventricle, allowing proper flow and eventually, the pooling of CSF in her brain will disappear. BUT her insurance comes with a very high, out-of-pocket deductible along with a recovery that will prevent her from working for 3-6 months. Like most families, The Troutmans simply do not have this kind of savings.

So many of us would agree that Laura has been a true inspiration. Throughout her journey, Laura has remained upbeat and hopeful. Her strength and ability to push through is nothing short of amazing. I think most of us would have just stayed in bed every day, but Laura does all that she can to maintain a somewhat normal life. Laura has NEVER GIVEN UP! I have heard so many people ask her, “How do you do it?” and her response is, “I’m a mom. I don't have any other choice!”

I think what has amazed me the most is how Laura constantly helps others even during her own suffering. She is always making meals, watching other children, going grocery shopping, cleaning homes and loving on people who are also battling illness. I think it’s Laura’s turn to receive love back. I believe one way to do that is to help The Troutmans with this upcoming financial burden. Let’s Love Laura by contributing to this campaign, giving her the financial resources necessary to have this operation and lesson the burden of loss of income during her recovery. I know any size donation would be very much appreciated. Another huge way to help would be by sharing this campaign with friends, families and social circles via email, Facebook and Twitter. PLEASE SHARE!

Thank you in advance for taking the time to read this campaign and for supporting this worthy cause. If you have any questions, please reach out to me.