Life changing surgery for Don Lewadny

Hi! My name is Tracey and I, along with our Children, Paul, Korina and Thea, are raising funds for our husband and father, Don Lewadny so he can have life changing surgery in the United States.

Don has Neurofibromatosis, an incurable genetic disorder that affects him physically and neurologically. In addition to spinal deformities, he has a plexiform neurofibroma tumour that hangs from his shoulders down past his waist. This tumour weighs in excess of 40 pounds.

I know if I had to do every aspect of life with a 40 pound backpack on I would be complaining after the first day - IF I made it through that day! Not Don. He has been dealing with this tumour and resulting pain for 30 years as the tumour got progressively larger. Yet he doesn’t complain! He worked at Manitoba Hydro for 35 years in the IT department as a Technical Support Analyst and took pride in having a good attendance record despite the tumour. He ultimately left work 8 years ago, earlier than planned due to the impact of the tumour on him physically. His courage, positive outlook and faith are very evident by how he lives his life despite the tumour. He smiles, laughs, helps and encourages others and projects such a positive attitude !

The tumour has gotten to the point that it is truly robbing him of his life. He has difficulty walking to the corner of the street, can’t go to events as he doesn’t fit in the seats properly, unable to do house care or repairs, experiences ongoing back and neck pain due to the weight of the tumour, needs assistance to shower as the tumour needs to be lifted in order to clean underneath it. Skin and wound care are a daily event to ensure the skin doesn’t break down or get infected.

4 years ago he had an infection that went sepsis. We almost lost him but through the grace of God he made it through. Although it took over 6 months, he recovered and pushes on despite the weight of the tumour.

We are so proud of Don. He is a loving and caring husband, father, brother, uncle and friend and in April a grandfather.

The surgery is to remove the tumour. We have been unsuccessful in locating a doctor in Canada that is able to do the surgery. Thankfully we have found a doctor in the United States who is extremely qualified, experienced, able and willing to do this surgery. We are forever grateful to him.

This surgery will be life changing for Don! It will release him from this weight both literally and figuratively! He will be able to fit in normal size clothing, he will be able to wear jeans without the tumour pushing them down, he will even be able to tuck a shirt in! Don will be able to walk to the park at the top of the street, take our dog for a walk, go to a museum, shop or a garden and walk around, he will be able to play with his grandson! The list is endless! It’s the life experiences that he is missing and we all take for granted that will be opened up to Don due to this surgery. The easing of his daily pain will be incredible ! We know because of his condition that he will still have pain but it will be so much less and more bearable after the surgery. This means the world to Don and his family.

The funds will be used to pay the costs of the surgery, which enables us to pay for the travel and accommodation costs as well as expenses incurred when away for the surgery. We will be required to be in the US for 12 days.

Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for reading Don’s story. We appreciate the time you have spent reading this and considering helping Don. You make a difference!

In gratitude & love,