Skating through Scoliosis
Donation protected
My beautiful niece, Raegan, is an accomplished athlete and student. Ice Skating is her passion!
Up until last year she was your average preteen. Enjoying life, skating, school, friends and family. Then in October 2016 she was diagnosed with Scoliosis. As you can imagine this has taken its toll on her skating abilities.
Her initial diagnosis was a 62 degree curve...over 50 degrees, surgery is recommended. Non invasive treatment was started immediately, however, her x-rays now show over a 30 degree increase which left her with a 96 degree curve in her spine. Her ribs are so distorted that they actually touch her hips. Her spine is so curved that surgery is the only option. Otherwise, her heart and lungs could become compromised. We have found a group of surgeons willing to do her surgery, but they are out of state, out of network and therefore not covered by "premium insurance". A $20,000.00 cash deposit is required just to get her surgery scheduled! Her primary surgeon has agreed to adjust his schedule to do her surgery as soon as possible!
Reagan and her parents will need to travel to New Jersey and stay for at least seven days, adding hotel and flight costs.
She lives in Michigan with her Mom and Dad, my brother Scott Shepherd and his wife Leann. I am in Arizona and won't be able to help as much as I would like, so instead I am setting up a Facebook page and this fundraiser. Our Facebook page is Skating through Scoliosis, we will continue to post updates there, as to keep you all infomed of Rae's progress.
Even the smallest donation can make a difference!
Let's keep this girl skating!
Please, keep Scott, Leann and Raegan in your prayers!
Up until last year she was your average preteen. Enjoying life, skating, school, friends and family. Then in October 2016 she was diagnosed with Scoliosis. As you can imagine this has taken its toll on her skating abilities.
Her initial diagnosis was a 62 degree curve...over 50 degrees, surgery is recommended. Non invasive treatment was started immediately, however, her x-rays now show over a 30 degree increase which left her with a 96 degree curve in her spine. Her ribs are so distorted that they actually touch her hips. Her spine is so curved that surgery is the only option. Otherwise, her heart and lungs could become compromised. We have found a group of surgeons willing to do her surgery, but they are out of state, out of network and therefore not covered by "premium insurance". A $20,000.00 cash deposit is required just to get her surgery scheduled! Her primary surgeon has agreed to adjust his schedule to do her surgery as soon as possible!
Reagan and her parents will need to travel to New Jersey and stay for at least seven days, adding hotel and flight costs.
She lives in Michigan with her Mom and Dad, my brother Scott Shepherd and his wife Leann. I am in Arizona and won't be able to help as much as I would like, so instead I am setting up a Facebook page and this fundraiser. Our Facebook page is Skating through Scoliosis, we will continue to post updates there, as to keep you all infomed of Rae's progress.
Even the smallest donation can make a difference!
Let's keep this girl skating!
Please, keep Scott, Leann and Raegan in your prayers!
Organizer and beneficiary
Billie Randles
Organizer
Cottonwood, AZ
Scott Shepherd
Beneficiary
