My name is Ryanne and I am asking for help to cover bills and medical expenses for my spinal fusion surgery on July 30, 2025 and time out of work.

I have what's called Degenerative Disk Disease, and I am in Stage 4 which is called the collapsing stage. I have been in chronic pain for many years and disk between my L5 and S1 vertebrae is now completely gone, and my spine is collapsing down on itself. The disk at L4-L5 is bulging and may herniate starting a chain reaction of disk failure from the bottom up if my spine isn't stabilized. The pain is so severe most days I am unable to complete simple tasks, and my mobility is extremely limited. I also have arthritis and experience some neuropathy due to the nerve infringement between the bones that need to be stabilized. I am unable to sit, drive or lay down for more than 20-30 minutes at a time before the tingling and numbness starts down my leg.

The surgeon, Dr Jeffrey Carlson with the Orthopedic Spine Center will perform the spinal fusion at Mary Immaculate Hospital to put rods and screws at L5-S1 that will bring those two bones together so that they fuse into one bone. I may never have full mobility again, but I will be able to do the things I love to do with my family and live without constant worry and debilitating pain. Walks on the beach or bike rides thru the battlefields, riding the motorcycle with my husband Rob and even yard work are just some of the things I am looking forward to doing again. Even little things like sneezing or coughing cause me to be in extreme pain but I have faith and am hopeful that I will once again be able to enjoy life.

This fundraiser will help me to meet our out-of-pocket deductible of $11k for the procedure and help cover bills and expenses while I am out of work for 4-6 weeks. There will be additional costs not covered by insurance such as medical devices (walker, back brace, etc), home health care three times a week for two weeks and then my physical therapy. I am an independent contractor and have no access to employee benefits such as paid time off or short-term disability and we have tapped out our personal savings. This also comes at a time when I would normally be gearing up for back to school for my rising Senior and 4th grader, so every little bit helps. The financial strain begins now and will continue even after I am able to return to work.

Please keep me, my husband and my girls in your thoughts and prayers. This has been hard on me physically and mentally but it's also hard on them watching me go through it. Audrey is especially worried for Mommy and has already offered to be my personal bedside nurse. I am grateful and blessed for every member of my family who has stepped in and stepped up to help. Your love and generosity does not go unnoticed.

Thank you all from the bottom of my heart. This won't be easy, but I know my God will see me through.