Seeking Happy Feet for Kelsey

Dear Friends and Family,

 

The day after Thanksgiving, Kelsey will have her right ankle fused for what should result in 40 years or longer of happier feet. The doctor will be taking a bone graph from her hip to fuse the ankle and foot bones. To heal, Kelsey will not be able to bear any weight on her feet for 2 to 3 months, and therefore, will be unable to work during that time and only part time for a few months to follow.

 

We are looking to help cover Kelsey's finances until she gets back on her feet ;) literally. We have set a goal that will cover her for at least the first three months. We are hoping to surprise her with this financial gift on the eve of her surgery, Thanksgiving.

 

Peace, love, and gratitude,

Kiley and Kate, (Kelsey's sisters)

 

The Backstory:

 

Kelsey, in the picture, was born June 13th, 2000 as a beautiful baby with severe feet deformities. One foot was hanging backwards and the other was very weak. Despite physical therapy from birth, Kelsey did not walk until she was two with supportive leg braces. Outside of the braces, Kelsey walked on the inside of her ankles with much pain. She was in prosthetic braces and could not walk more than a few hours. Despite this, she was strong and a survivor. Whenever you offered her help, with braces or shoes, she would say, "No, Kelsey do." And thus she became known as Kelsey-Doo (the Doer).

 

In 2009, when she was only 8, a generous doctor did a surgery that no one else would, and after a 6 month recovery, that surgery turned Kelsey's feet to be straight and allowed Kelsey to walk without prosthetics, have a footprint in the sand, and wear real shoes! Life was great. Kelsey had happy feet.

 

In 2018, a staple that was used in the original surgery to hold her right ankle in place while it fused, dislodged and tore through Kelsey's ankle tissue and protruded through her skin. Emergency surgery was done to remove the staple, but the surgeon discovered fluid and some arthritis, so she did what she called "roto-rooting". That surgery destroyed Kelsey's right ankle. The cartilage is completely gone and the ankle and foot bones are touching, creating constant, excruciating pain. Since then, Kelsey has lived on pain killers, ice, and basically is in bed with foot up when not working, going to veterinary college, or taking care of Nevaeh, her rescued wild Mustang whose tag number was 0613 -they are a match from Heaven. This horse gave Kelsey wings by letting her ride instead of walk. Part of the donations will go to board and care of Neveah while Kelsey is healing. Can't let the Doo lose her wings. :)

 

Please consider helping us help Kels walk again. We found a wonderful new surgeon who removed the staple from the opposite ankle last year without issues. He is doing the fusion.

 

At 21 years young, we are asking first for your prayers in Thanksgiving for this opportunity and second for a successful surgery for a miracle foot. Every donation in her support is appreciated and a blessing. May your feet be happy!