Gracie’s Scoliosis Journey

This is my beautiful niece Grace. She holds a deep silent debilitating condition she has been battling most of her life. Never one to let it phase her, she has been an ice skater, a beautiful poised ballerina, and was even an awesome cheerleader for her high school. Recently all of those things have come to a halt. Her silent battle with scoliosis finally was undeniable. This beautiful young lady now is facing extremely invasive surgical intervention. My sister and brother in law have been self employed and struggle with the hopscotch game of medical insurance. Paying premiums for care they rely on to be there when they need it. In typical industry fashion, her surgical procedure has been denied. The hospital and other costs will be covered. But the surgeon is not. They will only cover up to the Medicare allowable for a different, less successful procedure. The denied surgical fees are $70,000. So as they prepare to leave for New Jersey next week for this surgery, we are asking for prayers and any financial assistance you may be able to provide. They will be there for about a week, recovery considered.

Here is some insight to the 10-13 hour surgery she will be undergoing on November 10, from my sister Katt.

photo: xray on the right is from past years. Xray on the left is currently her spine. She has progressed from 31% curve to a 91% curve with twisting. This is Now causing pressure on internal organs and especially the heart.

Katt: She’s having anterior scoliosis correction. They enter from the side rather than cutting through all the muscles through the back. They will deflate the lung, cut ribs, and place screws along the thoracic region where her curve is. They then place a tether system rather than fusing the bones together like a traditional surgery which allows for better flexibility. He will also cut the discs between the vertebrae which will help to correct the rotation of her spine.

She’s at a 91 and we are hoping to get her down to 30.

Rehab starts immediately. We will continue to increase stamina, balance and special awareness along with pain management.

Healing is much less than the typical spinal fusion. We hope she is back up and going 6-8 weeks. Not having to cut through all of the muscles is helpful with the healing.

No Drs do this in Texas that’s why we have to travel to New Jersey. Which has made the logistics and healing process difficult.

Tami: We humbly ask you to search your heart to make a donation to assist with the enormous financial impact this is having on her family. We specifically ask for prayers for Gracie and our family, especially my sister and brother in law as well as her sister Claire during this scary time. May fear find rest in hope for all this will mean to Gracie’s quality of life following this surgery.

Thank you so much for your consideration and prayers.

Gracie’s Scoliosis Journey page can be found on FB. We’d love to have you join her journey.