Help Angela Heal From a Spinal Cord Injury

Hi, my name is Michelle Short, and I’m raising funds for my best friend of 34 years, Angela.

Angela isn’t just my friend; she’s my sister in every way that matters. We’ve walked through life together for more than three decades…through joy, heartbreak, motherhood, faith, and everything in between. Never in those 34 years did I imagine I’d be writing these words for her.

On November 9th, Angela injured her neck while doing something incredibly ordinary, lifting an open house sign into her car. What initially felt like a small tweak quickly turned into excruciating muscle spasms that left her in unbearable pain. After a few visits to her primary physician, massage therapist and chiropractor, Ang wasn’t getting any relief. She knew something wasn’t right.

She went to the ER twice, pleading for answers and asking for an MRI. Both times, she was dismissed. She was sent home with Tylenol and told to ice her neck. On the second visit, she received a lidocaine injection to her neck and was discharged again.

Five days later, everything changed.

Angela lost feeling in her hands, stomach, and feet. Terrified, she returned to the ER for the third time. Only then did they run bloodwork and finally order an MRI. What they found was devastating.

Angela had Staphylococcus aureus, one of the most dangerous bacterial infections infecting her neck and spine. The doctors believe the lidocaine shot she received introduced the bacteria.

She was immediately transported to Harborview Medical Center for emergency surgery. On Wednesday the 17th, surgeons removed part of her bone and placed a rod in her neck to stabilize her spine. The very next morning, Angela underwent a second emergency surgery to remove additional infected bone. This time, surgeons placed a second rod and a plate in the front of her neck. This is a significant spinal cord injury. If she would have waited any longer their could have been permanent damage or death. We are so incredibly blessed she is still with us.

Angela is now facing a very long and difficult recovery:

• 2–3 weeks in the hospital

• At least 12 weeks of inpatient rehabilitation

• Months of healing, therapy, and uncertainty ahead

Angela is a single mother of two with no financial support. She is currently unable to work and is facing overwhelming expenses such as rent, groceries, caring for her children, and enormous medical bills. Unfortunately, her medical insurance will only cover 60% leaving Angela with a significant amount to pay. She’ll also need adaptive equipment, home modifications and possible in home care.

Anyone who knows Angela knows who she is at her core:

She is kind, loving, generous, and selfless.

She is the one who shows up.

The one who helps without being asked.

The one who gives even when she has little.

Asking for help is incredibly hard for Angela. She hates inconveniencing others. She hates being the one in need.

But now, she truly needs us.

If you are able to donate, no matter the amount, it would mean the world to Angela and her children. If you’re unable to give financially, please consider sharing this fundraiser to help spread the word.

Thank you for surrounding Angela with love, prayers, and support during this unimaginable season. Every donation, share, and message reminds her she is not alone. ❤️