Help Grace walk again!

As you may or may not know, Grace’s ability to walk declined rapidly over the last couple of months, leaving her having to use assistive devices to get around. Luckily there is a fix- she will be having her first surgery (out of a minimum of 6) on Monday in an attempt to get her back on her feet

In 2020 Grace started feeling sharp pains in her hips- of course we figured it was due to the long and strenuous hours working as medics during a global pandemic. Finally she went to see a specialist as the pain was getting worse, and discovered that she has severe bilateral dysplasia, multiple labral tears and femoral anteversion- crazy. As the trooper that she is, she continued to work as long as she could to save money for the surgeries and all the time she will have to take off of work, despite relentless and worsening pain. Now she can no longer walk unaided, so it is time whether she likes it or not!

Beginning on 9/12, she will begin a series of 6+ surgeries to fix her hips. PAO surgery is brutal- much worse than hip replacements- but hopefully a better payout in the long run. They’re fairly confident they’ll be able to save her right hip completely, and give the left another 20 years before having to be replaced- fingers crossed. They do one hip at a time at an interval of around 6-8 months, so we are hoping she will be healed up and able to walk in about a year

The cost is going to be significant (we’re estimating $50k+). The best surgeon for the job is unfortunately not in her network, and his fees alone are astronomical- the hospital stays, home care and physical therapy for the many surgeries and approximately year of recovery aren’t going to be pretty either, even with insurance. If you know Grace, you’ll know how fiercely independent she is and how little she enjoys asking for help- so I’ve taken it upon myself to ask for her. All proceeds will go directly to her, and any amount is hugely appreciated

I realize some of you may not know Grace- she has the biggest heart. An accomplished EMT, LAFD CERT member and wildlife rescuer, she devotes her life to helping others- and now is our chance to give a little something back. Please consider donating if you can- no amount is too small. And please keep her in your hearts, as she begins her long road to recovery ❤️‍