Hi everyone,

My name is Shanda Anderson. I came to Columbia seeking better medical care. Family took us in and did what they could to help support us and I Thank them all for the kindness and love they showed to me an My son. I was diagnosed with Cervical Spinal Stenosis, Osteoarthritis, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Sciatica & my right hip is completely shattered. I am preparing for that surgery as well. My days are filled with constant excruciating pain !!!

If you know me at all, you know I have always been a worker bee. I’m not asking for a handout — I’m just asking for a hand up, because right now I’m down and I have a young child who depends on me. To be painfully honest, he can’t even lean on me because I don’t have the leg strength to stand for us both. Yet mentally I push myself daily as an personal driver, door dasher or whatever gig my body allow me to work.

Recently, I had to have emergency spine surgery that changed everything. I can’t work because standing or walking makes everthing worse. I still struggle with hold my head up properly. I was misdiagnosed for so long that now, at just 40fine years old, I need a hip replacement. My hip is shattered to the point where every step, the splinters are poking & cut my muscles. I was told by my care team that I have the body frame of an 80 year old. There is not much they can do for pain or to stop the progression of this bone disease!!

I’m sharing my truth — the broken promises, the surgery, the accident, all of it. I’m doing this because I want to heal and get strong again for my son. Sometime I don't know what's worse, the mental or the physical aspect of this whole journey. I won't complain tho because someone else is already amputated, paralyzed, bedridden & and wheelchair bound for the rest of their life. It's been a very trying 8 year. So while I have a Fighting Chance I'm just trying to live my best life with my child.

Anything helps — a donation, a share, or even just a genuine prayer. Thank you for reading my story and for standing with me and my baby during this fight.

With love and hope

Shanda Anderson