Save Connie's Arm

My name is Sandy Foster, and I am fundraising for my good friend, Connie Schartz. After months of being in limbo thinking her arm and shoulder were to be amputated, Connie was put in contact with Dr. Kearns from the Hand to Shoulder Center in Philadelphia who said he could save her arm. Connie had led an active life as a middle school science teacher until two different staff infections in her arm caused her to spend months taking daily IV antiobiotics. Also suffering from her third concussion after being hit at recess by a hard-kicked ball, she also contracted long COVID. This combination of ailments forced Connie to take early retirement from her teaching position, a full ten or more years before she planned and before she would qualify for Social Security or Medicare. In July, 2023, Dr. K removed the metal in her arm and put an antibiotic spacer in. She returned a month later in an unplanned trip to insert a drain to eliminate the fluid collecting in her arm. Unfortunately, a fall in October caused a broken spacer, so once again, Connie made the trip to Philadelphia for another spacer. Since then she has been awaiting the printing of 3-D parts which will eventually replace the humerus in her arm. This will be followed up with a tendon transfer in her lower arm to provide minimal usage of what is now a paralyzed radius and hand.

With the next surgery just a few weeks away, Connie was hospitalized this last week with symptoms of sepsis. Her insurance is not accepted at this Hutchinson Medical Center, and she needs to get to Philadelphia. Each trip from Kansas to Philly costs her approximately $2000, and that does not include any medical expenses.

She is so very close to seeing the end product of what has been a very painful and lengthy process. If you can possibly help financially, it would be so very appreciated. Connie has always been the one helping others, so it is difficult for her to find herself pleading for assistance. If you cannot help financially, please keep her on your prayer list.