10 years of bad luck, 27 spinal surgeries

Rebekah is a strong, resilient woman, and Richard, her husband is much the same. However, the last 10 years have worn them down. Because of several autoimmune disorders, which were not formally diagnosed until a few years ago, Rebekah has had a total of 27 spinal surgeries, beginning in her teens. About 10 years ago, she was also diagnosed with congestive heart failure, necessitating surgery for stents in major arteries. Not long after this, following another spinal surgery, she woke up paralyzed. With physical therapy and incredible strength of will, she became able to walk short distances with the help of a walker. It was about this time that Richard was diagnosed with congestive heart failure and had to have a pacemaker and defibrillator installed. This was when they decided to marry. Ten days after their wedding, Richard was diagnosed with head and neck cancer, having to undergo both radiation and chemotherapy. The spinal problems continued for Rebekah, necessitating a variety of metal being installed in her neck and back to avoid further paralysis. Richard was then diagnosed with prostate cancer, treated successfully then had yet another head and neck cancer for which he was also treated. On December 7, 2022, the couple was in an auto accident. The tether holding Rebekah’s wheelchair down broke, and since she was seat-belted into the wheelchair she and the chair went flying. The van was totaled, and Rebekah’s leg was broken in three places. Nine surgeries and eight months in hospitals and other medical facilities later, Rebekah is home but no longer able to walk at all. Both Richard and Rebekah are depleted financially, physically and emotionally. On top of that, medical bills plus the cost of a new van and wheelchair are overwhelming. Most of their close friends have moved from the area, and their only family lives far away. The poor _aa,couple never even got a honeymoon!