My name is Amy, and I am the proud big sister of a true warrior who has always been my hero. We find ourselves, once again, at the mercy of the insurance companies, as she faces yet another spinal fusion surgery (third fusion, fourth for her spine). This time, she’s got the best treatment team she’s had, and a new diagnosis called Tethered Cord Syndrome. Her surgeon won’t do her fusion without the tethered cord release being done as the first part of the day-long surgery. Yesterday, despite approving all other parts of this complicated and specialized surgery, the all-knowing insurance company has decided they know more than her world-renowned treatment team at the Paley Institute, and has deemed that tethered cord release to be not medically necessary. This means we have less than two weeks to come up with the cost of that part up front, self-pay, or what we have been waiting and planning for won’t happen. Erin has always been a fighter and fiercely independent, so relying on others is not easy and asking for help isn’t her strong suit. But when it comes to helping her, I have no shame and will put it out there because I know a little from a lot will do more than we can do alone. If you know her, you know how deep this kind of denial cuts. She is tapping into every bit she has, but you’re help could be so huge. You also know we wouldn’t ask if it didn’t have to happen. Please, if you can, help us make this go for her, and please share this with anyone else who may be able to help. And if neither of those is something you can do, just spread the word, because nobody should ever be put in this position, and it’s too common for so many. Together, we are stronger. Thank you for taking the time to read this, to share it, and to help her if you can. We love you all!