Paige Needs New Hips

Cost for Paige’s New Hips: $15000

 

Medical expenses: $11000

Living expenses: $4,000

-12 weeks rent: $3,000 ($1,000 per month)

-Necessities (gas, groceries, bills, medical supplies, etc.): $1,000

 

My Story

Hi! My name is Paige Ruscher and I am a 25 year old in desperate need of new hips. At 21, I was diagnosed with severe Bilateral Congenital Hip Dysplasia, ranking in the top 1% of the most severe cases globally. More specifically, I was born without hip sockets and had backwards/vertical femurs. This has led to the development of severe osteoarthritis in both hips and persistent pain.

 

In the last 4 years, I’ve undergone 12 reconstructive hip surgeries to save what little mobility and cartilage I have left. I’ve spent nearly three years entirely dependent on crutches, walkers, and canes to get around, which has made working and going to school almost impossible.

 

The goal of these surgeries was to preserve my native joint, help me finally enjoy a pain-free life, and hopefully delay the need for hip replacements. Unfortunately, the pain hasn’t gone away and it's becoming more and more difficult to smile through the day. I rely heavily on assistive devices to walk distances greater than 100 yards and have had to make lifestyle changes most 25 year olds shouldn’t have to.

 

This has led me to consult with several doctors who agree it's time; I need bilateral hip replacements. I have BIG plans and the first step to achieving my dreams is painless mobility! :)

 

My Dreams

This journey has been eye-opening to me and has changed the trajectory of my life. Because of my experience with Hip Dysplasia, I'm a huge advocate for early detection. I want to continue educating people about this condition, and show people what it looks like to thrive in a world that doesn't always accommodate people with disabilities.

 

I'm currently in the process of applying to PA schools. I'll need my new hips to get me there, so I can meet the physical demands of working in medicine.

 

My Ask

It’s really hard for me to ask for financial help, but I’ve found myself in a bit of a bind.

 

 

Due to the nature of my Hip Dysplasia being a pre-existing condition and my severe osteoarthritis in both hips, I have been denied short term disability. Short term disability would have provided me with a percentage of my salary to live off of while I recover. Unfortunately, this means I will be without any income for the duration of my recovery.

 

The estimated recovery time for two hips is a minimum of 12 weeks, 6 weeks per hip, and I have two weeks of PTO saved. This leaves me with 10 weeks to recover without any income. As a 25-year-old living paycheck to paycheck while working three jobs, I am saving the best I can… But there is no way I will be able to save enough without compromising my emotional and physical well-being.

 

My medical team has stressed the urgency in getting these replacements or losing mobility in my 20s. The reality is, without financial support to get me through 10 weeks of unpaid recovery, I may have to choose between walking or working. Truly, anything helps!

 

Thank You

If you’ve made it this far, THANK YOU.

 

I've already been incredibly blessed with all the support I’ve received from my friends, family and medical professionals throughout this journey. The little moments and the support of my people were truly what got me through and reminded me that there is light at the end of the tunnel.

 

Thank you in advance for your support as I face what will hopefully be my last hip surgeries for a long time! Anything helps ❤️

 

With extreme gratitude,

Paige