Wanda's Surgery @ Johns Hopkins

Hi, my name is Wanda Barber resident of Port Allen LA. I have Achondroplasia Dwarfism. As a result, I was born with a very narrow spinal canal. As I have aged the normal degeneration of the spine has resulted in further narrowing of the space for my spinal cord. Because of this, I need to have EXPENSIVE Spine Surgery to prevent me from being paralyzed in the near future. The surgery will result in me being out of work for several months. It will more likely than not take a year for me to fully recuperate.During my time off work I will be placed on "Leave Without Pay." I will also have travel, medical, lodging, and everyday living expenses. My surgery is scheduled for July 16, 2015 at Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore, Maryland. This is a very humbling experience for me to have to ask for help. I am a single mother with an 11 year old beautiful daughter. I have wonderful family and friends who will be taking care of her while I am gone. I will have to be in the hospital for up to 1 week. They will determine my therapy once  they see how I do after my surgery. I may have to do therapy in Baltimore before I get to fly home. I have been in pain for a long time now and have learned to live with it. I fall down a lot so therefore I have bruised my spine which will never heal. I was told by the doctors this most likely adds to my pain. I MUST have this surgery done in order to have longer mobility and be a more active parent. I know I have already missed out on a lot with her because I'm always in pain and cannot walk hardly any distance. It really hurts my heart when she has to go with family and friends to do fun things. Even though I am very grateful! Those are memories I will never have :( 

Any donations will be GREATLY appreciated!
May God always bless you and your family!


Sincerely,
Wanda  Barber