Cover Katie's (Kat's) medical expenses

Hello dear friends and family! My name is Kellie, and I am doing this GoFundMe to raise money for my wonderful sister Katie (or Kat, as her friends call her).

Many of you know that Katie has been struggling with a complex medical condition for over two years, experiencing constant severe nerve pain in her neck and arm. It has been slow going receiving an accurate diagnosis, but the most recent reflects a condition called Myelomalacia, a rare spinal cord condition causing symptoms of numbness, pain, and decreased motor functioning in the limbs (and even paralysis for some). Katie has undergone surgery and a wide variety of therapies and treatments. Unfortunately, all have been unsuccessful thus far, as there is currently no cure for this condition. Some treatments may help with pain management, and because of this, her neurosurgeon is now recommending a second spinal fusion surgery.

The nerve pain has significantly impaired Katie’s functionality and ability to work. She has primarily been receiving financial assistance through disability services. While this has been profoundly helpful, it only covers basic living expenses, not enough to cover ongoing medical costs. Additionally, maintaining disability services has been a grueling process with unexpected lapses in coverage, creating additional financial strain. Due to this, Katie’s medical-related expenses have accrued to over $25,000, with more medical treatments to come.

While Katie has endured significant physical and emotional pain through this process, the financial strain has been overwhelming, as I’m sure you can imagine. With that said, the goal is to raise enough money to cover her debt, with additional funds set aside for upcoming medical expenses; this is why I have set the goal for around $30,000.

If you are receiving this, it’s because you know Katie…and anyone who knows her has been impacted by her HUGE heart, incredible generosity, and kindness. She is such an endearing and wonderful person. She has touched the lives of so many, and it would be amazing to give back to her in this practical, meaningful, and life-changing way.

For those who have already given, an enormous THANK YOU! Per my original post, we were successfully able to maintain this as a secret and surprise her with over $20,000 on Christmas Day! It was incredible and many tears were shed. She was overcome with emotion, gratitude, and shock, and has talked about this as a life-changing experience. Words truly fall short in trying to describe how meaningful this has been for her. Thank you!

For those who still want to give, we will continue to keep this gofundme account open, as we’re still short of the ultimate goal. Feel free to forward this to whomever you think wants to give to her, post it on social media, etc. etc. Secrecy is no longer needed. :-) 

Again, thank you all SO much for your love, generosity, and support! I am extraordinarily grateful to you all.

Gratitude and love,

Kellie 