Help Janelle Get Life-Changing Back Surgery in Germany

Dear friends, family, and compassionate supporters,

I’m reaching out today on behalf of my beloved friend and family member, Janelle, who has been living with severe and chronic lumbar back pain for over two and a half years (and previous history of intense back pain going back to age 12). This pain, which often extends to her left leg, has become disabling at times, affecting nearly every aspect of her life. Janelle’s condition has rapidly worsened, leaving her in constant pain and limiting her ability to live a fulfilling life.

In August 2022, Janelle suffered a fully herniated disc, which triggered a cascade of pain that has taken over her life. Despite undergoing a discectomy surgery in September 2023, which did help reduce the nerve pain in her leg, her back pain worsened, making even the simplest of tasks unbearable. Over the past two years, she’s had multiple ER visits and consultations with doctors, only to be left feeling defeated and unheard.

In May 2024, after further tests, Janelle was diagnosed with Degenerative Disc Disease (DDD) which has caused her discs to deteriorate. After months of attempting other treatments—including cortisone injections and various forms of pain management with a pain specialist—she has essentially been told there is nothing more that can be done for her in Canada.

However, in November 2024, Janelle was finally given hope when she reached out to the ONZ Spine Clinic in Germany, where she was again diagnosed with severe DDD, a spinal column tilt, and other disc issues that are making it nearly impossible for her to live a normal life. After a thorough evaluation, the doctors recommended an artificial disc replacement surgery—a procedure that is not available in Canada, but has proven to be life-changing for many patients like Janelle.

The surgery is scheduled for January 7, 2025, and will require Janelle to stay in the hospital for a week following the procedure, followed by another week in a rehabilitation facility. The road to recovery will be long—Janelle will be off work for about 4 to 6 months, depending on her recovery, and after returning home, she will need to commit to intensive rehab, including physiotherapy, massage, muscle strengthening, and mental health counseling.

Janelle is a passionate professional dog groomer who once loved her work and took immense pride in it. Unfortunately, the chronic pain has robbed her of the joy she once found in her career. The weight of her suffering has not only taken a toll on her physical health but also on her mental well-being. She has lost her ability to fully enjoy her job, spend time with loved ones, and partake in simple activities she once cherished, like playing with her beloved dog, Maggie, and even doing basic household chores.

But there is hope as Janelle now has the incredible opportunity to undergo a life-changing spinal surgery in Germany—a procedure that could relieve her of the debilitating pain and give her the chance to reclaim her life. This surgery is not just a physical transformation; it is a chance for Janelle to restore her mental health, reconnect with her passions, and regain her sense of self.

This surgery is crucial as it offers the best chance for Janelle to not only experience significant pain relief but also to improve her quality of life. She dreams of getting back to the simple pleasures she has missed so much: time with friends and family, enjoying the outdoors, playing with Maggie, and even the freedom to roll over in bed without pain. The surgery and subsequent rehab will help her return to her career with joy, take care of her mental well-being, and ultimately reclaim her life from the hold of chronic pain.

The total cost of the surgery, travel, and follow-up care in Germany is significant, and we are asking for your help to make this life-changing procedure possible. Every penny raised will go directly towards covering:

Surgical expenses

Travel and accommodation costs for Janelle and a caregiver

Post-surgery rehabilitation and recovery

Mental health support throughout her healing journey.

Janelle needs your help now more than ever. No donation is too small, and even sharing this page with your network will make a world of difference. Your generosity will help Janelle regain not only her physical health but also her mental strength, as this surgery represents a new beginning.

Thank you for taking the time to read Janelle's story and for any support you can offer. We are forever grateful for your kindness and generosity as Janelle takes this huge step toward recovery and a future filled with hope.

With deepest gratitude, Friends, Family, and Maggie