Spinal Surgery in Germany for Jessica

Friends and family, as some of you know, our daughter Jessica is going through a very

difficult time. Jessica was diagnosed with a spinal deformity at the age of 12 and

although it has been a part of her life for many years, it hasn't limited her until recently.

Over the past year, she has been dealing with debilitating pain which has caused her to

be unable to work or participate in regular tasks or outings with her young family. As the

pain has increased, it has even become a great challenge to walk to the community

mailbox on her street. Jessica has always been active and so these limitations have

greatly impacted her quality of life. If left untreated, Jessica's scoliosis will eventually

cause complications for her heart and lung function in addition to the chronic pain she

experiences now.

Over the past year or so, Jessica has seen five different physiotherapists, four

chiropractors, two orthopedic surgeons, and has received two rounds of invasive

steroid injections into her spine in order to find relief. There have been ongoing calls to

the family doctor to refill pain medication and to discuss whatever next steps she needs

to take to possibly find a solution. Jessica has also undergone blood work, numerous x-

rays and a full spinal MRI to make absolutely certain that surgery is her only option.

She has exhausted our healthcare system in order to find the care she needs, to no

avail.

With our current healthcare system in Canada being in such a state of disarray, the

surgeons required to help her case are unwilling to take her on as a patient. OHIP is

years behind in paying these top spinal surgeons so they are limiting, or even pausing

these complex surgeries. If you are interested in reading further into this, feel free to

search a recent story on CBC regarding Dr. Stephen Lewis and his patient, Christine

Kaschuba.

We want to see our daughter healthy and thriving again, as does her husband and two

young daughters. In January 2024, Jessica will be going to a private clinic for complex

spinal surgery in Germany. This surgery is one of the most invasive and painful to

recover from but though this is her only option, we are confident that once she has

recovered, she will be able to return to the life she once knew. The cost will be

extensive for the surgery and with Jessica unable to work, we are hoping to help lighten

this immense burden on their family.

Please only give if able. We are grateful that you have continued to read and support

our girl on this big journey.

Our sincerest appreciation,

Rob and Deb