Hannah Baehler's Surgery Expenses
Donation protected
My Dear Friends and Family,
As most of you know, my daughter, Hannah, was diagnosed with Rapid Progression Scoliosis when she was 5 years old. She spent almost 4 years wearing a torso brace, which ended up not preventing the two curves from getting worse. She was accepted as a good candidate for an experimental surgery at the Philadelpia Shriners Hospital when she was 10 years old. During this 9-hour surgery, three surgical teams put nine staples around the outer curves and put in a growth rod with screws attached to her lower spine and upper rib. She has had nine rod-extention surgeries since then at the Portland Shriners Hospital. With these surgeries, they go in through the back via the same 6-inch scar (it has stretched with growth, and is now about an inch wide.) We went this route because we were trying to prevent her from having her spine fused. Well, it has come down to this: This method of treatment for her scoliosis has not been sucessful. We have to fuse her spine. Surgery is scheduled for April 1st, but we are on a waiting list for any cancellations in order to have it done sooner due to increasing pain in her back.
She is such a strong girl! She has been keeping herself very busy as freshman at Springfield High School, including Theater, Asst. Stage Manager for the musical Aladdin, stage craft for the upcoming play Sherlock, Honor Band, Pep Band and helping to brighten the days of senior citizens at retirement homes with the jazz ensemble she is in with four other adults.
I have never asked for money from anyone before (except my dad! :) and it feels very strange. Hannah will be in the hospital for at least a week, and then many weeks of recovery. My school district does not have a leave share program in place. I only have 4 sick days left - due to all the time off I've had to take for her previous surgeries - and I still need to take her up to Portland for her pre-op appointment. I am asking for donations to cover living expenses while I am with Hannah, both in the hosptial and at home.
We thank you from the bottom of our hearts.
Sincerely,
Sherry and Hannah Baehler
As most of you know, my daughter, Hannah, was diagnosed with Rapid Progression Scoliosis when she was 5 years old. She spent almost 4 years wearing a torso brace, which ended up not preventing the two curves from getting worse. She was accepted as a good candidate for an experimental surgery at the Philadelpia Shriners Hospital when she was 10 years old. During this 9-hour surgery, three surgical teams put nine staples around the outer curves and put in a growth rod with screws attached to her lower spine and upper rib. She has had nine rod-extention surgeries since then at the Portland Shriners Hospital. With these surgeries, they go in through the back via the same 6-inch scar (it has stretched with growth, and is now about an inch wide.) We went this route because we were trying to prevent her from having her spine fused. Well, it has come down to this: This method of treatment for her scoliosis has not been sucessful. We have to fuse her spine. Surgery is scheduled for April 1st, but we are on a waiting list for any cancellations in order to have it done sooner due to increasing pain in her back.
She is such a strong girl! She has been keeping herself very busy as freshman at Springfield High School, including Theater, Asst. Stage Manager for the musical Aladdin, stage craft for the upcoming play Sherlock, Honor Band, Pep Band and helping to brighten the days of senior citizens at retirement homes with the jazz ensemble she is in with four other adults.
I have never asked for money from anyone before (except my dad! :) and it feels very strange. Hannah will be in the hospital for at least a week, and then many weeks of recovery. My school district does not have a leave share program in place. I only have 4 sick days left - due to all the time off I've had to take for her previous surgeries - and I still need to take her up to Portland for her pre-op appointment. I am asking for donations to cover living expenses while I am with Hannah, both in the hosptial and at home.
We thank you from the bottom of our hearts.
Sincerely,
Sherry and Hannah Baehler
Organiser
Sherry Baehler
Organiser
Springfield, OR
