While my sister offered to create this page for me I have decided to write to you, my friends, directly.

Four years ago I was in a head-on collision on Highway 15 while working as a Deputy Sheriff for the Oconee County Sheriff’s Office. Someone stopped and pulled me out of the patrol car. My ankle was shattered. Of course at the time (and now) I was grateful to be alive. I had surgery and a bunch of metal was placed in my ankle. I didn’t know then my journey was just beginning. My ankle would never be what it was ever again. I would be severely limited in what I could do.

In 2023 I switched over to EMS. But in the last six months to a year my ankle began to deteriorate rapidly. I went back to my doctor and he said I had two options: the exosym brace or more surgery. I began doing research like most people would.

Dr. Blanck originally designed the exosym brace for those injured in the military. However, the brace was so successful it was moved to the civilian world as well. When I spoke with Dr. Blanck, he told me the exosym brace could do something surgery could not. Dr Blanck stated with the brace I would be able to do (almost) everything I could do before the accident. I would be able to walk, run, to work and to play with my son virtually pain free. I told him it sounded too good to be true.

The pricetag: $9,455.00 and two trips to Washington State

I know what many of you must be thinking. “But your were injured on the job; workers comp should cover the cost of the brace.” My doctors office spoke directly with workers comp. They have refused to cover anything else relating to the accident.

So I am here asking for your help to shoulder this burden with me. I am forever grateful for your help. Thank you.

My faith drives me on.

Jo Redford Sidwell

For anyone who would like to learn more about the exosym brace I invite you to watch this short 5 minute video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dlqel7udvEI