Patti Lampert

I am facing a challenging time with my health and need to travel down south for three days to get important medical advice. My back neurosurgeon, after reviewing my CAT scan and reports, has suggested that I may need a full left hip replacement. To get a second opinion and more information, I have an upcoming consultation with a USC hip surgeon. In addition to this, I have two back-to-back appointments with my neurologist for epilepsy and my otolaryngologist for Botox injections in my throat, which help me breathe and speak better. This trip is necessary for my health, but it comes with significant expenses. I will be staying at the least expensive hotel recommended by USC, which offers a reduced rate and daily parking. Even with these discounts, the costs add up quickly, especially with parking and transportation. Thankfully, the hotel provides a shuttle to the hospital, which helps avoid extra parking fees and makes the trip a bit easier. I would really appreciate any amount donated—whether it’s skipping a Starbucks and putting it toward my fund, or any generous amount. If you cannot donate, your prayers and well wishes are also deeply appreciated. I know these times are hard for everyone, and I am grateful for any support you can offer. Thank you for considering helping me get the care I need.

I have been making frequent trips to USC for medical care, far more often than the usual every three months. These trips have created a mound of debt, and just a couple of weeks ago, I visited my spine neurosurgeon because my back pain has become unbearable. It’s now very difficult for me to walk, even with a walker, and I often have to use a wheelchair. Seven years ago, my neurosurgeon performed a 7-hour back surgery with a blood transfusion. In the beginning, it really helped, but as time has gone on, new pain has developed in my hips, thighs, and along my back. When I saw my neurosurgeon recently, he said he didn’t think it was my back causing the pain anymore. Now, he suspects I may need a total left hip replacement, which means even more trips to USC in the near future. I try to link up my appointments when I go, as I also see a neurologist for epilepsy and the otolaryngology department for Botox injections in my throat to help me breathe easier and speak more clearly. The funds from this fundraiser will help cover the costs of lodging, gas, food, and incidentals for our upcoming trip to USC. My service animal Daisy goes everywhere with me, and my caregiver Ray drives the long distance, helps with traffic, and pushes my wheelchair. We stay at the least expensive hotel that USC works with—Daisy and I share the bed, and Ray sleeps on the couch. These expenses add up quickly, and your support will help ease the financial burden of these necessary trips. I & we would appreciate anything you could do and contribute. We are leaving this Sunday the 18th prior to 11:00 a.m. I know right now it's hard for anybody because prices on everything have gone up, but we would really appreciate any size contribution—even if it means giving up just one Starbucks a week and donating those funds, it would make a big difference. We would be very grateful for any size donation! I also would like it if you could all pray for us to have a safe drive there and back, and for good relations with the doctors as we find out more about what is to happen next.