HOPE for Molly Grauer ~Medical Fund

As friends & family of Molly, we invite you to join us in supporting Molly during her personal health challenge. Many of you may not know that she has been dealing with a medical condition for the last 17 years that causes extreme ongoing pain in both of her legs. She came to terms with the reality that this condition and pain would be something to deal with on a daily basis. The condition is rare:  CECS (Chronic Exertional Compartment Syndrome) causes pressure to build up in her calves and shins, resulting in numbness, tingling, soreness, swelling and pain.

Molly was an avid runner and outstanding athlete in high school and symptoms began her senior year which then took 4-years of testing and numerous doctor referrals to diagnose. The only option at that time was a surgical procedure called a fasciotomy. At 21, she had this procedure done in both legs at University of Chicago.  Running was no longer part of her life; her hope was to be able to walk pain-free.  The first surgery gave slight relief, but after 18-months the symptoms returned.  She was referred to the University of Wisconsin for more testing and a second more extensive surgery. Once again, in less than 2-years, the pain returned. Doctors conclude that after a third surgery, the risks begin to outweigh any benefit received by the patient, so instead Molly made multiple lifestyle changes. She wears tennis shoes and support hose the majority of time and avoids stairs and inclines when possible. She sees a chiropractor and massage therapist weekly and limits driving time in the car.   

Molly and Eric also knew that for the long-term health of her legs, continuing to live in their two-story home was not an option. They’ve searched for years for a ranch closer to her work which would allow her to live on one floor and shorten her drive to work.  Last November, they found a rental ranch house to move into to provide temporary relief while they searched for a permanent solution.  Unfortunately, the floors were poorly constructed and caused more leg pain than usual. To make the house tolerable to live in, they’ve had to add mats, rugs, and additional pieces of flooring. They’ve been forced into the reality that the only alternative was to build a house with modified and specialized flooring materials. These new turn of events also led Molly and Eric to revive their search for new medical options. Molly uncovered a small private group of people experiencing the same condition and dealing with the same failed surgeries. This group led her to an experimental treatment called the McGinley Method, which is designed to permanently treat the cause of compartment syndrome, not just the symptoms!  Currently, Dr. McGinley is the only doctor in the country performing the procedure and is located in Casper, Wyoming.  By the grace of a Good Samaritan online whose son had found relief from this treatment, Molly was able to get a direct referral and secure an appointment on April 2nd.   Multiple tests will be performed and reviewed that morning and if she qualifies for the procedure, the first treatment would be completed that afternoon. Patients typically require two additional treatments over the following 12-months. 

The downside (and the reason for this Go Fund Me) is that the treatment is still experimental therefore insurance does not cover the costs. The first treatment will cost over $12,000 to travel to Wyoming, perform the tests and first procedure.  Each additional treatment will be between $4,000-$6,000.   The exciting news is that over 85% of the patients who’ve undergone the treatment have reported extremely positive outcomes: some even becoming completely pain-free for years. Molly is excited about the idea that this might give her one single pain-free day or even the possibility of being able to walk her boys to the park without having to rest when she gets there. 

We all know Molly’s heart.  She is the first person to step up to help another or bring awareness to a person in need.  We are taking this opportunity to return the love to her that she has wholeheartedly offered so many others.  The topic has always been difficult for Molly to talk about, as she’s never wanted to be the one to burden someone’s heart. It’s a tender subject and one that she has battled privately, but heading down this medical road for a 3rd time, we don’t want her to battle alone.   

Last March, Molly opened up to her women’s group at church and gave a testimony about her struggle with this syndrome and how God’s faithfulness has been with her throughout her journey.  Exactly one year and one day later—March 2018--she received a phone call from the Wyoming doctor inviting her to be part of this trial.  
Molly’s prayer word that she chose in January 2018 was “Hope” and she truly believes this opportunity is a special gift from God. The reality is there are no guarantees that this will be successful or even that she’ll qualify on April 2nd for the treatment.  But as those who know and love her, we stand in great HOPE that she will be blessed!  Therefore, please join us on this site to show your love and support and offer your prayers and encouragement!  We will give updates as they occur and thank you in advance for loving on our sweet Molly.  

{In keeping with Molly’s heart, she wants to give back so there will be a future option to purchase a t-shirt to offset donations, but we are welcoming the opportunity for her to receive now – open handed graciously.}

Romans 12:12   “Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.”

Psalm 59: 16   “But as for me, I shall sing of Your strength; Yes, I shall joyfully sing of Your loving kindness in the morning, For You have been my stronghold and a refuge in the days of my distress.”

*With Molly's permission, we'd like to share the video of her testimony from 2017. Viewer discretion is advised for younger viewers because of the sensitive content* click HERE to view video