Hello, my name is Chris. I am taking this time to establish this page for my older sister, Barbara.
A few months ago, Barbara received very frightening news. The total surgical revision of her left knee, performed in May 2024, became infected. Barbara was initially started on oral antibiotics and advised she needed to have the implant surgically removed. It took three consultations before she found a surgeon with the skills and experience to undertake this complex surgical procedure.
The surgery was performed on February 27, 2026. The complex surgical removal of her knee joint prosthesis took close to four hours to complete. She remained in the hospital for seven days, and during her stay, she received two blood transfusions. Additionally, she developed a blood clot in one of her lungs. Subsequently, she now has to take blood thinner medication indefinitely.
As a result of the surgery, the left knee must remain in a fully extended (straight) position for at least the next few months. An internal surgical rod is in position across the space that was once the knee joint. A PICC line is in place in Barb's left upper arm so she can receive the prescribed IV antibiotics every 12 hours. Only after the infection is completely gone, a third surgery will be performed, hopefully to restore a functionally moving knee, following the placement of a total knee prosthesis.
Barbara is currently in a short-term acute care inpatient rehabilitation facility. She is expected to be discharged home the week of 3/16/26. She is 76 years old, a widow, and lives alone. She will be unable to drive for the foreseeable future. Barbara lives on a fixed monthly income solely provided by Social Security.
Barbara is always one of those neighbors or friends that would always help others by picking up groceries, bringing up the mail, or taking down and back trash bins. She also was a long-term volunteer for Hospice in her area. She is a kind, pleasant, and demure person who has been there for others in the past.
I am hoping with financial assistance through this fundraising platform, support will reduce her financial burdens of:
1. The prescribed blood thinner medication (Eliquis), and the weekly supply of IV antibiotics.
2. Any durable medical equipment, e.g., raised toilet seat, grab bars, etc., not covered by medical insurance.
3. Transportation to and from medical appointments, in a vehicle equipped to transport someone in a wheelchair.
4. A qualified person (aide) who can come into the home, hopefully several times each week to assist with activities of daily living (ADLs) - hygiene/showers and light kitchen assistance.
5. Any additional out of pocket medical expenses, further adding to her financial burden.
I am grateful for this opportunity to be able to provide support for my sister by creating this GoFundMe page. If you or someone you know can help my sister on this long and difficult journey, we would be forever appreciative and thankful. If you are unable to help, please pass this request on to others who may be able to assist. Respectfully submitted, Chris S.