6 months ago on June 16th 2016, one week before I was to graduated as a nurse, I was sent to a specialist about the chronic pain I have been  experiencing since I was a child. After doing a physical and various tests, the doctor diagnosed me with Cerebral Palsy, Spastic Diplegia Type, which affects mainly my legs. This was a shock to myself and my mother, who was by my side at my appointment. Over the next several months since I have been working as a Licensed Practical Nurse, my pain has increased and my mobility has unfortunately decreased. To help improve my mobility and quality of life, I have been prescribed various assistive devices. As I am a new nurse, I do not have medical coverage through my employer. The devices include modified shoes along with custom orthotics which were $750, a walker, a bath chair and a new shower handle, a wheelchair for the days my legs do not want to cooperate (cost unknown), and the most expensive of all an AFO for my right foot which has began to turn inward (diagnosed as clubfoot) due to the tight muscles in my leg. An AFO is an ankle-foot orthotic which helps to keep my foot straight and helps stabilize my ankle which will hopefully improve my walking. I have purchased a temporary AFO which has cost $175, which only stabilizes my ankle, but I will need a customized AFO which is estimated to cost around $1000-$3000, depending on what I need. I may also need another pair of modified shoes as the ones i have now may not fit a customized AFO. I am not one to ask for help, but as I have recently just graduated, and I do not have medical coverage for equipment, I cannot afford these medical devices on my own. I am asking for help, so that I can continue to help others, in the career that I love for as long as my body will allow me to, and to help improve my quality of life. I thank you all in advance for every ounce of help, even if it is just sharing this post!

Thank you and God bless.

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