Help Darla get PT equipment and get to Mayo Clinic

My name is Tina Christy. I am setting up a Go Fund Me account for my amazing sister-in-law Darla Forbis.

Darla Forbis was diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer in the spring of 2023. For those not familiar with what metastatic means, it simply means that the cancer has spread to other parts of the body. It’s also known as Stage 4 Breast Cancer. In Darla’s case, the cancer spread to her lymph nodes, colon, stomach, and spine, in addition to a breast, where all of the cancer originated from.

We are very happy to report that Darla is battling the cancer successfully. The cancer is no longer seen in her lymph nodes or her spine. The remaining tumor in her breast is very small and is getting smaller. The tumor in her colon is also diminishing. She has a small spot on the surface of her stomach that is also shrinking. Darla’s medical teams are very positive about her progress, and she continues the fight to oust this monster entirely from her body.

However, the cancer on her spine has crippled her from the waist down. While the cancer on her spine is no longer there, it has done it’s damage, and she is unable to move her legs. Darla’s doctors have stated that she has a chance to regain her leg function, but with this type of nerve damage to her spine, they cannot be sure, and only time will tell.

It is the result of the paralysis that we have decided to set up a GoFundMe account for Darla. Darla has very slight leg function, meaning she can wiggle her legs slightly, and she can also push and pull her legs very minimally. We believe that this slight movement in her legs forms the basis to be very hopeful that she can re gain normal leg function over time. Darla will require specialized exercises to maximize her potential to re gain leg function. This requires specialized exercise machines that are very expensive. Darla’s insurance coverage does not cover these types of machines. In addition, Darla’s insurance provides limited coverage for physical therapy. In short, Darla needs this special equipment in her home so she can perform these exercises daily assisted by family members.

In addition to the leg exercises, Darla is currently applying to be accepted to the Mayo Clinic in Minnesota. We are hopeful that Mayo can expose Darla to the best possible neurological science that is available. While Darla’s medical expenses at Mayo will be covered by her insurance, traveling, lodging, etc, expenses are not covered.

Finally, there are certain home modifications that Darla needs for showering, a better wheelchair ramp, etc. in order to be more independent. These are relatively small modifications, but even small projects of this nature are extremely expensive.

Our goal is to raise $20,000 for Darla to help cover the various expenses mentioned above.

Please consider a donation of any size. Let’s get Darla the help she needs to walk again.