Support Michelle's Battle Against CRPS

My name is Mary Taylor. Michelle Cannady is my friend. We went to high school together 40+ years ago.

In 2005, while working at her salon, Michelle was electrocuted. She soon developed severe pain and debilitating symptoms in her legs, at this time, she was diagnosed with RSD. After suffering 10 years, with these symptoms, which sometimes caused her to be bedridden for days, it was believed that she was in remission, and she was gifted a few good years. Then roughly 6-8 months ago, her symptoms returned, however, this time they had spread to her spine, hands, and continue in her legs. Along with this she has developed shaking, trembling, and loss of coordination resulting in temporary inability to walk and making it unsafe to drive. After constant research of her situation and symptoms, as well as seeing multiple doctors, her diagnosis has been changed CRPS, a more severe form of RSD.

There is no cure for CRPS. However, there is treatment to help her cope and manage the pain. That treatment is what she needs our help with NOW. This is not something that insurance will cover. This condition is exceedingly rare. Less than 200,000 cases in the United States. Sadly, after hours of exhaustive research, the only doctor she can find, in the United States, who treats CRPS is in North Carolina at the North Carolina Health Institute ran by Dr. David Pascal.

Dr. Pascal has developed the “The Pascal Method” for treating CRPS. He says that the reasons for treating it so difficult because “CRPS is affects three major systems of the body. Most people with CRPS quickly experience food intolerances, a weakened immune system, and in some cases lose the ability to walk, eat, and enjoy daily life.” It is a debilitating illness that strikes the nervous system, resulting in intense pain.

His treatments can take up to 90 days and at a cost of roughly $41,000. This is just for treatment. When we add travel, housing, and food it brings the actual out of pocket costs to upwards of $50,000 to $60,000. Again, because CRPS is so rare and uncharted for treatment, insurance does not cover much if any of the costs. She needs a portion (down payment) by the end of June to hold her treatment spot, which begins August 19.

PLEASE, help us help Michelle and her family to get her the treatment she so desperately needs.