Marci's Reconstructive Surgery
Donation protected
As most of you know, Marci (Ray) Spencer was diagnosed with a brain tumor in November 2011. During her biopsy she suffered severe brain trauma and was paralyzed on her entire right side. She began hard physical therapy work during her chemotherapy and regained use of her right leg and is able to walk. Her speech continues to be a struggle; however she is relentless and continues to make improvements, all be it slowly. In February of 2012 Marci was afflicted with Ramsay Hunt Syndrome (RHS). RHS looks like Bell’s Palsy; however, it can cause permanent nerve damage. While recovering from Traumatic Brain Injury, undergoing Radiation and Chemo therapy, Marci suddenly had the left side of her face completely paralyzed.
Words cannot express the amazing determination, strength, and grace Marci has demonstrated during this arduous journey. Furthermore I cannot express the impact of all the love, prayers and support we have received from our family and friends. I posted the following on November 17, 2011 before Marci went into surgery and this journey was about to begin, “Here is the paradox, the place of our greatest pain is also the place where God meets us to show us who He is and how He accepts us with unconditional love and boundless grace. The reality of our situation has not changed; we are absolutely in the hands of our loving Father. WE TRUST HIM! ‘Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think’. – Eph 3:20”. This is still true! That is still what we believe! This is still how we feel!
Recently Marci’s facial paralysis has increasingly troubled her. We though the best we could hope for would be cosmetic surgery to provide her with some symmetry. We were wrong. We found the doctor. Marci is going to have reconstructive surgery on September 14th; specifically, she is undergoing SUTURE OF FACIAL NERVE and FACIAL NERVE REANIMATION WITH GRACILLIS FLAP. Here's what that means, they are going to take muscle and nerve from her inner thigh and attach it to nerve that controls her jaw. It should be about a 10 hour surgery. For a frame of reference the sutures they use for joining the nerves are about a fifth the diameter of a human hair. Once the nerves connect Marci will work with special therapist to train that nerve to animate her face, I cannot wait to see her smile!
That brings us to the reason for this go fund me; we simply need help. If you are able and willing to contribute we would appreciate it. If you cannot we understand. Thank you for your understanding and consideration.
John & Marci Spencer
Words cannot express the amazing determination, strength, and grace Marci has demonstrated during this arduous journey. Furthermore I cannot express the impact of all the love, prayers and support we have received from our family and friends. I posted the following on November 17, 2011 before Marci went into surgery and this journey was about to begin, “Here is the paradox, the place of our greatest pain is also the place where God meets us to show us who He is and how He accepts us with unconditional love and boundless grace. The reality of our situation has not changed; we are absolutely in the hands of our loving Father. WE TRUST HIM! ‘Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think’. – Eph 3:20”. This is still true! That is still what we believe! This is still how we feel!
Recently Marci’s facial paralysis has increasingly troubled her. We though the best we could hope for would be cosmetic surgery to provide her with some symmetry. We were wrong. We found the doctor. Marci is going to have reconstructive surgery on September 14th; specifically, she is undergoing SUTURE OF FACIAL NERVE and FACIAL NERVE REANIMATION WITH GRACILLIS FLAP. Here's what that means, they are going to take muscle and nerve from her inner thigh and attach it to nerve that controls her jaw. It should be about a 10 hour surgery. For a frame of reference the sutures they use for joining the nerves are about a fifth the diameter of a human hair. Once the nerves connect Marci will work with special therapist to train that nerve to animate her face, I cannot wait to see her smile!
That brings us to the reason for this go fund me; we simply need help. If you are able and willing to contribute we would appreciate it. If you cannot we understand. Thank you for your understanding and consideration.
John & Marci Spencer
Organizer
John Spencer
Organizer
Burleson, TX
