Rachael needs a new foot!
Donation protected
Rachael was born with venous arterial vascular malformations (malformed vascular system and too many blood vessels and veins, causing tissue growth, swelling, extreme tenderness and pain) in her right leg/pelvis, and started having annual sclerotherapy procedures at the age of 6. These procedures have helped with pain, but there is no cure for her condition.
Since she was 14, she has had multiple surgeries on her foot, and one in 2012 left her with staph and strep from the hardware screwed into the bone. This caused her to need partial foot amputation, but that caused much discomfort while standing or walking.
In June of 2015, Rachael had her entire foot and ankle amputated. She has been trying every week to bear weight into a socket, without crutches, since September of 2015, but it is impossible due to the tenderness in her limb from her vascular condition.
The only option at this point is a surgery called osseointegration, which is not yet offered in the United States, and won't be for years. This surgery directly implants the prosthetic into the bone so there is no socket needed. The bone takes all of the weight bearing (as it is supposed to) instead of the tissue taking the weight load. This surgery has proved very successful, but it is only offered in Australia and a couple other countries. A recent trip to Florida allowed Rachael to meet the doctor and recipients of the surgery, seeing firsthand how life-changing it is.
Rachael's insurance is not accepted out of the U.S., and no payment plan is offered for out of country patients. She does not qualify for a loan without having a job.
Rachael is ready to get her life
back. She is anxious to get back to working, being independent, and being an active person. Using crutches for 9 months has caused severe muscle atrophy of her right leg and major neck and back pain. She's 29 and ready to be finished with this life long issue. Osseointegration is the only solution.
Let's get Rachael back on two feet!
Thank you for any and all contributions. Every little bit helps, and sharing is very much appreciated.
Learn more about the surgery here:
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=1oYkW9vxSjs&feature=player_embedded
http://www.wcsh6.com/life/new-surgery-for-amputees-who-struggle-with-prosthetics/66433593
http://www.osseointegrationaustralia.com.au
Organizer
Rachael Ulrich
Organizer
Flower Mound, TX