Emily's Post-Amputation Fund

Several years ago, the bones in my right ankle began to deteriorate due to a severe, rare autoimmune condition. Rather than listen to my pain the doctors acted like I was pulling their leg. Finally, my current surgery team listened to me and I had reconstructive surgery to replace my ankle. However, the hardware in my ankle kept getting a severe recurring staph infection that I couldn't kick. 


It was no walk in the park as I endured years of surgeries, frequent hospitalizations, excruciating pain, and the constant risk of death. I made the hard decision to have my leg amputated and thus far it seems to be the right one. 


On April 21st, my loved ones told me to “break a leg” as I was taken back to get my leg amputated. I'm already at home and doing pretty well - as well as could be expected. It's obviously a difficult process but has been so much better than expected. It was only a matter of time before the other shoe dropped... the steep financial costs associated.


I'm discovering that mobility devices, prosthetics, physical/ occupational therapy, house modifications, pain control, and a service dog cost an arm and a leg. Despite the leg up I've had on housing accommodations (since we found an accessible house back in August) it is still rough to relearn everything and find solutions to the struggles I'm having getting around. As with most things, money helps immensely. 


I’m a little bit stumped by all that lies ahead of me. I’d like to start off on the right (well… left) foot by making sure I have the best care I can get. I could use as much help as I can to foot the bills, so I’m starting this GoFundMe. If you could walk a mile in my shoe to understand the help I need, literally any amount would help. Thank you so much for sharing or donating if you can.