Hi everyone, my name is Savannah and I am reaching out from a place of deep vulnerability and urgent need. For years, I have lived with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS), a challenging connective tissue disorder that has required multiple surgeries and constant management. On 2/28/24, I was rear ended in a car accident that left me with a traumatic brain injury. I was never able to fully heal from that. In October of 2024, I had a spinal surgery to relieve tension off of my low back. Recently, I underwent the most serious, life-altering procedure yet: a complex spinal fusion.

The Road to Recovery is Long

The spinal fusion was essential to stabilize my body and prevent further deterioration, but the recovery is extensive. The doctors have informed me that it will take at least one full year of healing before I can even begin to regain some independence.

Right now, my life looks drastically different. I must rely on various mobility aids and am frequently restricted to wearing a rigid neck brace to protect the surgical site. My primary focus must be rest and recovery, which makes caring for my wonderful 7-year-old daughter, Kinlee, exceptionally difficult and leaves me completely unable to work.

The Financial Cliff: Bills and Denials

Because I cannot work, and because I am facing a mountain of specialized medical debt from this surgery and previous EDS-related treatments, my financial situation has become critical.

To compound the stress, I was recently denied state disability benefits. This denial means we are facing the next year with absolutely no safety net, and the pressure of medical bills, housing costs, utilities, and basic necessities is overwhelming. I owe significant amounts on previous surgeries and the current recovery costs are mounting daily (co-pays, physical therapy, specialty equipment, etc.).

The Hope for a Stable Future

I am a mother first, and my greatest fear is not being able to provide a stable, joyful environment for Kinlee. With the holidays rapidly approaching, the need for stability feels more urgent than ever.

I am asking for your help to cover the absolute essentials during this crucial year of healing:

1. Medical Bills & Equipment: Outstanding balances from previous surgeries and costs associated with my fusion recovery (therapy, medications, durable medical equipment, and the neck brace).

2. Living Expenses: Essential costs like rent, groceries, and utility bills for the next 12 months while I am unable to earn an income.

3. Care for Kinlee: Ensuring she has everything she needs, and hopefully, a small amount to bring some holiday joy into her life despite our circumstances.

How You Can Help

Every single donation, no matter the size, gives me one less bill to worry about and one more day I can focus on getting better for my daughter.

If you are unable to donate, please consider sharing our story. Spreading the word widely is just as valuable as a contribution.

Thank you from the bottom of my heart for reading this and for considering supporting me and Kinlee during this challenging recovery. We are sending you all our love and gratitude.

With hope and love,

Savannah Durbin