Dire Straits: Help Niki Walk Again

Hi, I’m Joanna, a friend of Niki McQueen’s. Niki is going through some difficult times medically and we are asking for your help to raise funds to cover a medical procedure to help her back and be able to walk again. Any donations are sincerely appreciated. Thank you for your love and support for Niki during these difficult times. More details to come.

UPDATE...

TAKING BACK HER STRIDE

Artist Niki McQueen Needs Surgery to Walk Again – Can You Help?

Niki is profoundly thankful to the multiple people who have supported her through art purchases, words of encouragement, and shared kindness, which culminated in a funded trip to New York to see the Dresden Dolls play live.

Over the years, Niki has faced the challenge of living with multiple chronic conditions, including Long Covid, Fibromyalgia, Arthritis, and a rare genetic disorder called Spinal Epidural Lipomatosis (SEL).

On her return from New York, she received urgent and unexpected health news which has left her with very few options, and she deeply regrets having to ask for help again.

BACKGROUND

Since late 2021, Niki has been battling severe back pain that began after escaping a traumatic situation. Initially thought to be from a bad fall, her pain progressively worsened. By mid-2022, she could no longer stand for more than a few minutes at a time and began relying on a walking cane. In late 2024, her spinal specialist delivered alarming news: without urgent treatment, SEL could result in the complete loss of mobility and continence.

DIAGNOSIS AND PROGNOSIS

SEL causes lipid cells to accumulate in the spinal column, compressing the spinal nerve and leading to chronic pain and limited mobility. This condition, compounded by Niki’s other chronic health issues, requires immediate intervention.

THE SOLUTION

Doctors have identified bariatric surgery as the safest and most effective option to reduce the lipid cells compressing her spinal nerve. Traditional weight-loss methods have failed due to genetic and medical complications, and exercise is currently unviable due to contraindicated symptoms from her chronic conditions. Spinal surgery has been deemed too dangerous.

FINANCIAL NEED

The total cost for assessments, tests, and surgery is between R130,000–R170,000 ($7,600–$10,000). These costs must be paid upfront, which is beyond Niki’s financial capacity as she relies on a modest disability grant and art sales for income. Her medical insurance classifies bariatric surgery as cosmetic, meaning potential reimbursement (20–40%) can only occur after payment. Should she receive any reimbursement, Niki has pledged to donate it to a community-chosen cause.

HOW YOU CAN SUPPORT HER JOURNEY

Niki is deeply grateful for her community’s support and offers several ways to help:

• Donate:

A GoFundMe campaign, started by friends, seeks to raise the necessary funds. Any contribution, no matter the size, or even sharing the campaign, will make a meaningful difference.

• Add a Donation During Checkout:

On her web store, customers can add a donation to their purchase. Every contribution will go toward covering surgery and aftercare costs.

• Purchase Artwork:

Every purchase of Niki’s artwork helps fund her surgery. Originals, prints, cards, and calendars are available through:

1. Etsy: Niki McQueen Art

2. Her website (and orders via email)

3. Her web store, featuring limited signed prints from her U.S. trip.

HER COMMITMENT

Niki is committed to reclaiming her mobility while continuing to share her art. If insurance reimburses any costs, she will donate the funds to a cause chosen by the community.

Niki is deeply grateful for your kindness and support, whether through a purchase, a donation, or sharing her story. Every small act contributes to her recovery and ability to continue creating meaningful art for her supporters.