Ruth's courageous journey of recovery

Ruth White fell in December of 2023. Unknowingly, she fractured parts of her Cervical & Thoracic spine. Three days later, an unusual spinal bleed caused severe neuropathy, leaving her left arm and both legs immobile, and no feeling in her torso. Due to the fog that night, it took a harrowing 24 hours to get her to VGH where three excellent surgeons spent 4 ½ hours repairing the spinal bleed, removing three Spinous Process (those bumps we see on people's backs) in order relive nerve pressure, and put 6 screws and 2 pins across T-5, 6, & 7 vertebrae to stabilize T-6. How life can change in an instant.

Someone asked me in the first week of this tragedy how the medical system was treating us. I pondered it for a moment and responded with "No one has asked either of us for our wallets or identification!" And while we are both humbled by our medical system and the amazing nurses and doctors both at VGH and particularly GF Strong, this was all terrifying! Instantly, we were both in a different world and had no idea of the when, if, or how much recovery would occur. Again, the doctors and nurses were incredibly helpful in navigating us through this new world without expectations. Your life is on hold until the healing starts. Ruth was receiving excellent care, but the prognosis of wait and see presented a huge emotional challenge.

Thankfully crisis counselling from Family Caregivers of BC provided me an anchor. "We are both scared, thus we get to be scared together. Therefore we get to go through this life-altering event together. No matter what happens, positive opportunity will present itself." And it's true! Our 27-year relationship has been challenged and altered, but it is deeper, having witnessed unknown strengths in one another. Trauma’s fear disassociates you from much of what you relied upon in your daily life and impairs your functionality. Mental, emotional and physical capacities are maxed-out. But love is stronger than fear. Loving yourself enough to reach forward is how we’ve seen positive opportunity on our worst days. And while this is the most challenging situation either of us have ever been in, Ruth's attitude has made it much easier than might otherwise be the case.

From day one, Ruth has had no dark days. In fact she has continually shown fortitude, endurance, and resolute fearlessness. Then add her ever-present compassion and fellowship for those around her - She is nothing short of inspirational. During and after her 4-month stay at GF Strong, I've witnessed Ruth be a nexus for community, hope, and an inspiration for others.

The nurses, facilities, and doctors at VGH and GF Strong have given Ruth the best chance for recovery through their dedication, skills, compassion, and humour. Equally valuable, is the spectrum of emotional support we have received from our Savary community and its SIVFD

From a community of friends stepping up to take care of our house and two cats, to the SIVFD support both upon our arrival

and since, plus the Lund Water Taxi providing Ruth with support

and casual part-time work in the office, or while she has been out walking, going to the Tuesday Market, or commuting on the Lund/Savary wharves, she has received so many expressions of care and support. … we are so thankful and humbled by all these kindnesses.

We are also very lucky to have three professional therapists on island, at least through the summer months. They’ve been critical in Ruth’s journey of recovery. She is meeting or exceeding expectations. Daily yoga and writing about each accomplishment in her diary is excellent self-care and self-support. She has been nothing short of remarkable. I’m incredibly proud of her.

However, expenses have blown a hole in our finances and many have expressed their willingness to contribute through this platform. Our income suffers until Ruth is able to work again. Additionally, my caregiving duties have impacted my caretaking demands. As such, some work has had to be contracted out, further impacting our income. My mental and physical capacities have reached their limits.

We are a strong and independent couple, but unfortunately our financial situation does not have the same fortitude. Your donation will go towards our costs to date, plus some crucial ongoing therapies and equipment that will enable us to continue being a contributing part of the Savary community:

• $3500 - Travel costs between Savary, Vancouver & Vancouver Island;

• $1500 - Incidentals at GF Strong;

• $2500 - Therapeutic and orthopaedic equipment (a walker, walking sticks, cane; CPAP machine, and a ridiculously expensive orthopaedic brace);

• $3600 - Ongoing continence care until Ruth is working again;

• $7200 - Ongoing therapist appointments until Ruth is working again;

• $2000 - Home renovations;

• $13,000 - Independent transportation (electric tricycle and mini truck) both of which will help Ruth’s mental, physical and economic health;

We are humbled by this opportunity and very much appreciate any support you can provide towards our goal of raising $33,300 + 3% GoFundMe processing fee = $34,299