Support Nala's Fight Against Chronic Pain

Hello,

My name is Nala. I am 18 and just graduated from high school. I plan on attending college in the fall in the sonography program. My life has changed a lot in the last 5 years. My spine is degenerating. I missed a lot of school and time with my friends. I used to love to dance and even ride horses. My doctors have tried different things to help me with pain, but nothing works. I have had 4 injections in my lower back, and they only give me relief for a few days, and then the pain returns. The last injection was because my back pain was going down my legs. The doctor said he would try a different approach, and since then, I can’t stand or sit longer than a few minutes. My friends are getting ready for college, and I am in pain every day, all day. I don’t see my friends as much anymore. I don’t sleep, and when I do, I always wake up tired. I have had 2 neurosurgeons recommend surgery. This surgery will take the pressure off my nerves so I can hopefully be pain-free. The procedure is called a Laminectomy. My surgery was supposed to be June 6, 2025, but my insurance company (Aetna) denied my claim and has denied it 3 times already. My mom and dad have been fighting for me, but nobody is helping. My mom filed a complaint against Aetna with the state of Texas, but that takes 90 days. My college classes start August 25. I do a lot of art, and I am trying to sell my art to make some extra money. I will post here. My mom says my art makes her sad, but I tell her art is supposed to make you feel. Lately, my art is about my pain because it’s all I think about. My doctor has my surgery scheduled for this Friday at 7:30 am with hope that we hear from Aetna, but we still are not getting any help, so my parents will have to pay for it out of pocket. This is why I’m asking for help. If you would like to buy my art, you can contact me for my Instagram page @nalsyart, or you can contact my mom or dad. I want to help any way I can. I appreciate you reading my post. Even if you can’t help, please feel free to send some sunshine my way

Thank you,

Nala