Support Audrey's Life-Changing Spine Surgery

Hello, my name is Rita Kirkman and I’m Audrey’s mom. My beautiful 24 year-old daughter has been dealing with increasing chronic pain, limited mobility, and decreasing quality of life due to severe scoliosis. We decided in 2023 that the best option for Audrey would be to pursue a new, non-fusion option for surgical treatment called Anterior Scoliosis Correction. This surgery has an incredible success rate and low risks. However, because it’s a newer procedure, it’s not yet widely practiced and the surgeon is not in network. The total cost of the surgery is $70,000 and only a very small percentage (about $4500) will be covered by our insurance. Your kind donations will be put towards covering the cost of the surgery as well as travel to St. Peter’s University Hospital, lodging, and recovery expenses.

Audrey’s story:

Audrey was first diagnosed with scoliosis at the age of 12. At that time, she was not yet experiencing pain and we were advised to “keep an eye” on her curvature to make sure it didn’t progress to the point of requiring surgery. Throughout the time she was in high school, her curvature seemed to remain stable and it was not expected to progress any further.

This began to change for Audrey towards the end of college. She started experiencing low back pain and it became more difficult and exhausting to stand or walk for extended periods of time. Upon getting new x-rays, we found that Audrey’s curvature has in fact continued to progress into adulthood. At this point, we knew that intervention was necessary.

After Audrey graduated from college in 2022, she began physical therapy at a practice that specialized in the Schroth method of scoliosis treatment. This focused primarily on muscle strengthening and posture, and provided some relief along with Audrey’s regular exercise routine.

Unfortunately, at the beginning of 2023, Audrey began to experience burning nerve pain in her low back and leg. It became more aggravated by any movement and because of this, Audrey was forced to stop physical therapy and could not continue exercising. Doctors we’ve spoken to believe this new pain is caused by a nerve root in the spine being pulled by the severity of the curve.

As of now, Audrey is living at home and managing her levels of pain day-to-day. Standing, walking, leaning, and stooping all result in pain and the need for ice and rest. She’s only able to work part-time and is limited greatly in what types of work she can do, as well as what hobbies and recreational activities she can enjoy. Even household tasks are difficult.

Audrey earned her bachelor’s in psychology and is interested in social work, library science, and art, especially painting. She longs for independence and hopes to be able to work more, save money, and move to Austin, TX this year.

How you can help:

Please donate. Your generosity will give Audrey the chance to resolve her pain, help her get strong, and open up countless opportunities in her life and career. It will allow her to pursue her goals and happiness freely.

Please Share. Even if you’re not in a place to donate right now, please share this on social media, in online groups, among your friends and family, and wherever you can.

Thank you for taking the time to read this, and we sincerely appreciate any support you can give. Every little bit helps! Blessings to you ❤