A Retired Nurse’s Plea for Help Facing Amputation After Years of Health Battles

Dear friends, family, and kind strangers,

My name is Lisa Campbell, and after dedicating my life to caring for others as a nurse, I find myself in a deeply humbling moment, reaching out for your support. Early-onset autoimmune diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, forced me to retire early from the career I loved. Despite the daily pain and challenges, I’ve held onto hope and lived with gratitude for each moment. Now, I’m facing an overwhelming crisis—an infected knee implant that requires an above-knee amputation—and I need your compassion and generosity to help me through this life-altering chapter.

In 2021, I had a knee replacement to ease the debilitating pain and mobility struggles caused by RA. Heartbreakingly, the implant became infected, leading to a grueling year of five surgeries to fight the infection and replace the knee. Despite my medical team’s tireless efforts, the infection has returned, leaving me with no choice but an above-knee amputation to safeguard my health. The costs of this surgery, recovery, prosthetics, rehabilitation, and ongoing care for my chronic conditions have created a financial weight I can’t carry alone. It’s hard to put into words how overwhelming this feels, but I’m turning to you with hope in my heart.

For years, I poured my soul into nursing, holding hands, offering comfort, and advocating for my patients. Now, I’m the one in need, and it’s with a vulnerable heart that I ask for your help. Your donations will go toward medical bills, adaptive equipment, and home modifications to help me regain independence and preserve my quality of life after this amputation. Every contribution, no matter how small, is a lifeline that brings me closer to stability and healing. If you can’t donate, sharing my story with your loved ones or community would mean more than you know—it’s a reminder that I’m not alone in this fight.

From the depths of my heart, thank you for taking the time to read my story and for considering supporting me. Your kindness, whether through a donation or a share, fills me with hope and courage to face this daunting journey with resilience. I’m endlessly grateful for the love and support of this community.

With all my love and gratitude,

Lisa