Renee's Race; The Final Hurdle

Putting my pride aside, I am raising money to help offset the $188,651.80 out of pocket cost for a medically necessary surgery on March 1, 2022.

Thank you for taking the time to read about my medical journey. My name is Renee Ford and the last nineteen (19) months of my life have forever changed me. I've named my Go Fund Me campaign "The Final Hurdle" as I am facing what I hope to be the eleventh (11th) and FINAL surgery to finally fix my leg and get back to a normal life again. Setting up this fundraising campaign is very difficult for me as I am a very proud woman and have never found myself in need. I have always been the one to help others where and when I can. I have always had the "pay it forward" mentality so please bear with me as you read my story.

My journey began in August 2020 with a simple, out-patient left knee meniscus tear repair surgery. Less than one (1) week later I was admitted into the hospital with a very serious systemically septic MRSA infection. I spent a total of 46 days in the hospital, many of which I don't remember very well. Due to immobility I developed bilateral pulmonary embolisms (blood clots in both of my lungs) and a below the knee DVT (blood clot) in my bad leg. I underwent several surgeries to "washout" the infection, had drain tubes placed, lots of IV antibiotics via PICC line(s) and in a final attempt to save my leg I underwent a surgery that used what was described to me as a "powerwasher that was safe for human tissue" to clean out all of the infection and the surgeon placed Vancomyacin beads in my knee in and attempt to prevent any further infection. By the Grace of God, the surgeons were able to irradicate most of the infection and save my leg.

As incredibly thankful I was to still have both of my legs, I could not walk and things that were so easy to do prior to the infection I could not do anymore. I realized at this point that I had taken so many things for granted in my life without even realizing that I had done so.

This is where the really hard work began. I moved to Tennessee to be with my family and receive the 24 hour medical care that I needed. I went to physical therapy 3-4 times a week and worked at home to fight my way back. I will never forget the day that I walked for the first time. I knew at that point that I was truly going to be okay.

Fast forward to November 16, 2021, I underwent my 10th procedure/surgery on my knee and the 1st surgery towards a total knee replacement. The severity of the MRSA infection destroyed all of the cartilage in my knee, as well as, destroyed bone and a lot of soft tissue. My pre surgical blood work showed signs of infection and so my medical team and I collectively decided to take a very conservative approach and make the total joint replacement a 2 surgery process. The 1st surgery was to clean out the dead/necrosed bone and soft tissue and place a prosthetic knee "spacer". I would have another PICC line placed and receive IV antibiotics twice daily for six (6) weeks in and effort to get rid of any lingering active infection.

Here I am in February 2022 and I am ready for my brand new titanium knee. The temporary prosthetic has done it's job and I've done really well. Unfortunately, it is just about at the end of it's projected "life" and needs to be removed and the shiny, new titanium knee "installed". Unfortunately, I lost my health insurance on 12/31/2021. I have been unable to work since this began eighteen (18) months ago but with the help of a few very special people I've been okay so far.

On Tuesday February 15, 2022, I received the phone call I have been dreading from Vanderbilt University Hospital. Needless to say I nearly fell over when the very kind lady on the other end of the phone told me that my out of pocket expense for this surgery is $188,651.80

Thanks to my absolutely amazing medical team, the hospital WILL still do the surgery and not require any payment from me prior to the surgery date. I have applied for financial assistance through Vanderbilt Hospital which I've been told will help towards the enormous bill that I am facing but will fall significantly short of the balance.

I want to say thank you, again, for reading my story. Even in my darkest days, I NEVER forget that there are many people in the world who have faced larger mountians than what I have been through. I remain humble. I have been blessed in so many ways and I have the most incredible surgical/care team that a patient could ever ask for. My family and close friends are one of those unbelievable blessings. I would not be here without their help, love and support.

Thank you from the bottom of my heart for your love & support.