Making a Difference for Katie

Hello, all,

I am writing this on behalf of my family for my little sister, Katie.

As many of you know, Katie was in her post-graduate school counseling program when she was struck with illness and injury, right as the Covid-19 pandemic began. After much testing, Katie was diagnosed with an autoimmune illness and a spinal injury, which soon forced her to take medical leave for spinal surgery.

What we thought was finally going to bring relief for Katie was instead the beginning of an agonizing battle. After her surgery, Katie developed severe pain in her legs and back. Within weeks, the pain progressed to the entire lower half of her body, and she was eventually diagnosed with failed back surgery syndrome, also known as persistent spinal pain syndrome, in addition to several other diagnoses tied to her spine and related conditions.

Katie has been to numerous pain management clinics and seen dozens of doctors for her intractable pain that is unfortunately keeping her from doing anything, including sleeping. Many people in Katie’s situation opt for a spinal cord stimulation, but sadly this is not an option for her due to a heart condition.

For many intractable pain sufferers, advanced treatments can hold the key to long-term relief. Unfortunately, these are out of reach for many people due to cost and location. We are hoping to raise funds so Katie can get the needed treatment for her condition, and we deeply appreciate any help you might be able to give her.

For those of you who don't know Katie, she is one of the kindest people with the biggest heart. She put her graduate school plans on hold once before to care for our grandma with Alzheimer's and our disabled aunt, and having to pause her schooling again has really hurt her morale in addition to her broader quality of life. Katie's biggest goal is to find a cure for this debilitating pain so she can share it with others in the same predicament.

We thank you so much for reading Katie’s story.

With loving thanks,

Hollie Nyseth Nzitatira and the Nyseth family