New Prosthetic And Fixes Funds
Donation protected
My name is Destiny Phaneuf,
May 28, 2008 I was hit by a train in Milton, NH. I was only 13 years old. I have had seven surgeries and years of physical rehab. I have had 6 prosthetics throughout the years but none have been successful. I am so limited to what i'm able to do, to enjoy life, and support myself. I was dragged 182 feet by the train, so in my initial surgery they didn't have much to work with, but all they knew that they wanted to keep my knee (makes walking with a prosthetic later on much easier). But because my leg is so short and has several reconstructive surgeries there is a lot of pain and scar tissue. I have bruises all over my knee and where my bones are. All I want is to be able to do exactly what other 23 year olds are able to do. I currently have a crack in prosthetic, which desperately needs to get fixed, because if it breaks I wouldn't be able to work my job, which pays my rent and food. I need a successful leg to live. My insurance doesn't cover much of it so it all has to come out of pocket. I am only capable of working part time and don't have the means to make the amount it costs, on my own. I would be so incredibly greatful for the help of others, who are selfless enough to help a woman in need.
I have met with my prosthetic doctors at Capital Orthotics & Prosthetic LLC and we have a clear picture of what we want to do.
First we want to fix the crack in the prosthetic I currently have to buy us more time. Then I need to get a whole new one made, but this time with a waterproof spring ankle so i'm able to walk up and down stairs properly, walk up and down hills, run, and have a general ankle function that I don't currently have, and with that will relieve knee pain.
Prosthetics cost so much more money than people think, and my current one which is a basic leg with no padded socket, no ankle function is around 60,000. I have been in this same leg for about 5 years now, and luckily for me I had this made at Shriners Childrens Hospital where people donated money to, to help children in need. Unluckily for me now, I'm too old to go there (they only help until age 21) so now all of the funds come directly out of my pocket. Just three years ago my foot broke off, while I was at a local laundromat and I was horrified, the embarrassment and immediate "what am I going to do now!?" came in and I start hysterically crying, I had to wait for my mother to come from towns over to bring me crutches and help me back to my car. Shriners was able to fix my foot then, after a few days when I was able to get an appointment. But where is my security now?
These things are so uncertain, and they effect my life drastically. I am a person who strives to be the best I can be, and I have to deal with both physical and mental struggles from what I went through. I just don't want to be held back anymore. I'm asking to whoever is taking their time to read this, please if you or someone you know can help me, please do. I am forever greatful and thankful for everyone who has ever helped me have a better life by simply walking with less pain. I am 23 years old and things like this scare me for my future, I don't want to struggle in whats supposed to be the best years of my life.
Thank you everyone,
with much love
- Destiny
May 28, 2008 I was hit by a train in Milton, NH. I was only 13 years old. I have had seven surgeries and years of physical rehab. I have had 6 prosthetics throughout the years but none have been successful. I am so limited to what i'm able to do, to enjoy life, and support myself. I was dragged 182 feet by the train, so in my initial surgery they didn't have much to work with, but all they knew that they wanted to keep my knee (makes walking with a prosthetic later on much easier). But because my leg is so short and has several reconstructive surgeries there is a lot of pain and scar tissue. I have bruises all over my knee and where my bones are. All I want is to be able to do exactly what other 23 year olds are able to do. I currently have a crack in prosthetic, which desperately needs to get fixed, because if it breaks I wouldn't be able to work my job, which pays my rent and food. I need a successful leg to live. My insurance doesn't cover much of it so it all has to come out of pocket. I am only capable of working part time and don't have the means to make the amount it costs, on my own. I would be so incredibly greatful for the help of others, who are selfless enough to help a woman in need.
I have met with my prosthetic doctors at Capital Orthotics & Prosthetic LLC and we have a clear picture of what we want to do.
First we want to fix the crack in the prosthetic I currently have to buy us more time. Then I need to get a whole new one made, but this time with a waterproof spring ankle so i'm able to walk up and down stairs properly, walk up and down hills, run, and have a general ankle function that I don't currently have, and with that will relieve knee pain.
Prosthetics cost so much more money than people think, and my current one which is a basic leg with no padded socket, no ankle function is around 60,000. I have been in this same leg for about 5 years now, and luckily for me I had this made at Shriners Childrens Hospital where people donated money to, to help children in need. Unluckily for me now, I'm too old to go there (they only help until age 21) so now all of the funds come directly out of my pocket. Just three years ago my foot broke off, while I was at a local laundromat and I was horrified, the embarrassment and immediate "what am I going to do now!?" came in and I start hysterically crying, I had to wait for my mother to come from towns over to bring me crutches and help me back to my car. Shriners was able to fix my foot then, after a few days when I was able to get an appointment. But where is my security now?
These things are so uncertain, and they effect my life drastically. I am a person who strives to be the best I can be, and I have to deal with both physical and mental struggles from what I went through. I just don't want to be held back anymore. I'm asking to whoever is taking their time to read this, please if you or someone you know can help me, please do. I am forever greatful and thankful for everyone who has ever helped me have a better life by simply walking with less pain. I am 23 years old and things like this scare me for my future, I don't want to struggle in whats supposed to be the best years of my life.
Thank you everyone,
with much love
- Destiny
Organizer
Destiny Phaneuf
Organizer
Manchester, NH
