Urgent Funds Needed: Amy's Critical Spinal Surgery

My name is Amy and I live in San Diego. Thank you for taking the time to read my story.

I have led a life of giving to others by working for nonprofit networks, bringing life-changing, faith-based TV programming to millions of prisoners in jails and prisons. Now, I find myself in desperate need as a recipient of other’s generosity to save my own life.

I suffer from a rare disease called Tarlov Cysts. Four years ago, I traveled to Dallas, TX, to have a rare spinal nerve surgery on six large Tarlov Cysts that caused me immense suffering. This is a very rare condition, affecting less than 1 percent of the adult population in the world.

After surgery, I quickly resumed my active life. But two years later, the severe pain returned, more excruciating than before. After 20 months of being bedridden, my condition is at a critical level. I am in agonizing and debilitating nerve pain 24/7. Day or night, sleeping is my only escape from constant pain. Walking and standing are extremely painful, even in short spurts. I am taking the highest level of pain meds around the clock; however, they provide little relief.

Once a vibrant and energetic person, I am now just a shell of my former self. My declining health and level of pain have become so debilitating that it's very difficult to take care of myself and my basic needs. Simple daily tasks have become insurmountable. I spent most of 2022 in nursing homes, ER, and hospital stays. I’ve tried multiple procedures, desperately seeking answers, but they either did not help or made the pain worse.

I recently underwent diagnostic testing, which led me to seek the expertise of Dr. Schrot, one of the top two neurosurgeons in the nation who specializes in my rare condition. Dr. Schrot is located in Sacramento, CA, and has recommended a surgical procedure to treat the sacral nerves causing this horrendous pain.

The financial support I need to undergo this vital surgery is beyond my means, and my condition is deteriorating rapidly. At the age of 70, I live alone and solely depend on social security for my income.

I have exhausted my options for non-surgical intervention. As much as I wish to avoid surgery, I simply cannot continue living in unrelenting pain, without any quality of life, making this GoFundMe campaign a lifeline I desperately need.

The purpose of this campaign:

Medical Treatments and Recovery Housing: I must raise funds to cover the costs of medical travel to Sacramento where the surgery is scheduled on January 25, 2024. My medical expenses include travel to Sacramento, housing and a caregiver to help me pre and post surgery.

I have a very limited time to raise the funds that I need to make this surgery possible. Your donation makes the difference between hope and despair.

I will need to remain in Sacramento until after my post-operative appointment in February. In the event there are any complications, I will also need to be close to my neurosurgeon. After surgery, I will require adequate recovery time before a taxing trip back to San Diego.

I am making inquiries about staying in a nursing facility for a period of time after the hospital, but Medicare has strict criteria I may not meet, so I anticipate I will need to stay at a hotel for part of my recovery time (or possibly the entire time I'm in recovery). My medical travel costs will also have to cover meals for myself and a caregiver.

As I am unable to fly due to a rare vertigo condition nor can I sit due to unbearable pain, I must rent a vehicle that is large enough so I can lay down in the backseat, while my caregiver drives us to Sacramento and back.

I kindly ask you to share this campaign with your family and friends, and most importantly, please keep me in your thoughts and prayers. I am in desperate need of a miracle. I thank GOD for the strength He has given me and the will to keep going.

Any contribution, no matter how big or small, is much appreciated. Your kindness and compassion provide me with hope and encouragement during this challenging time.

Thank you from the bottom of my heart for your support, generosity, and prayers.

Amy