Buki Whitney

Update #5 Surgery #3 Update: Thanking God Through the Pain Dear Friends, I know it has been quiet for a while, and I sincerely apologize for the delay in sharing an update. First, I want to say thank you. Thank you for the donations, prayers, phone calls, messages, visits, meals, offers to help, and every act of love and support. I am deeply grateful for each of you. Since my last update, I completed my third limb-preservation surgery on September 18. The surgery was briefly delayed because of a tissue graft supply issue, but thankfully, we were able to move forward. Unfortunately, I woke up from surgery in excruciating pain, similar to what happened after my second procedure. I also had another recurring infection, so I had to remain in the hospital for several days and was placed back on IV antibiotics. I later completed the rest of my Zerbaxa infusion at home with home health support. Regaining mobility has also been difficult. The first time I tried to stand after surgery, the pain and sensitivity in my legs felt like an electric shock. I ended up back in bed, crying and curled up, trying to comfort myself through the pain. And all I could keep saying was: “Thank You, God.” One of the nurses later told me she had never seen someone thanking God in that much pain. But for me, my “thank You” was my prayer. It was my way of remembering that even in suffering, God has not abandoned me. Romans 8:18 says, “The sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.” That verse speaks to my heart right now. I also want to especially thank my cousin, who left her own family and flew in to support me during surgery. Her presence reminded me of the blessing of family, the power of love, and the importance of showing up for one another. At my first post-op appointment, the next surgery had not yet been scheduled. My surgical team is concerned about how much pain I experience after each procedure, but I remain optimistic. This journey is painful, but I am still believing God for complete and total healing. I have not been able to return to work yet because this process still requires ongoing recovery time, doctor’s appointments, wound care, close medical follow-up, and the physical demands of this limb-preservation journey. The financial side has also continued to grow, including medical bills, antibiotic costs, wound-care supplies, and unexpected expenses along the way. But I am still hopeful. I am still grateful. And I am still saying, “Thank You, God,” in advance for the healing I believe I am receiving and will continue to receive by His grace. Please continue to pray for my healing, freedom from infection, strength through the pain, wisdom for my medical team, and provision as I continue this limb-preservation journey. If you feel led to support or share my GoFundMe, I would be deeply grateful. GoFundMe: https://gofund.me/7050aae0d Thank you again for every prayer, every seed, every message, and every act of love. With love, faith, and gratitude, Bukola

Hi, my name is Bukola Sogbuyi-Whitney, and I have lived with Sickle Cell Disease my entire life. Since late 2018, I have been battling severe chronic leg ulcers that have dramatically affected my health, mobility, independence, and ability to work. After nearly eight years and multiple surgeries/procedures, wound care, and countless treatments, I am now undergoing advanced limb preservation treatment at Houston Methodist Hospital. My medical team is optimistic about my progress, but I still have multiple surgeries, ongoing wound care, medications, and months of recovery ahead. Unfortunately, many of these expenses are not fully covered by insurance, and because my condition has prevented me from working, the financial burden has become overwhelming. I am humbly asking for your support as I continue fighting to preserve my limbs, heal, regain my independence, and return to the life I love. Thank you for taking the time to read my story and for walking this journey with me.