Help Jodi battle CRPS, aka the suicide disease

Hi, I’m KJ. I have teamed up with Debbie and Amy for our dear friend Jodi.

Jodi was diagnosed with Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) in 2014. For 10 years now, Jodi has been battling one of the most painful disorders known – it’s called “the suicide disease” for a reason. Jodi describes her pain as her ribs feel like they are in a vice grip. a bone crushing pain, a burning sensation inside and outside. She spends 85% of her time in bed and 100% of her time in pain.

For the first 7 years, Jodi’s CRPS was isolated to her right arm and hand. She managed her CRPS with a combination of medication, including Ketamine infusions, occupational therapy and every possible treatment available. Three years ago, Jodi’s CRPS spread and went full body. This happened after gallbladder surgery completely unrelated to CRPS. Imagine going to hospital for a routine procedure and spiralling instead of healing. Spending the next 3 years wondering, what is happening to me? Unexplained, unpredictable, excruciating, debilitating full body pain. Needing a heavy cocktail of medications to just get through the day. Timing medications to try to be present for your daughters, your family, your friends. Exploring every option for pain relief. One treatment after another with little success. Finally finding something that helps only to be denied by your insurance because you need more than one spinal cord stimulator.

Jodi needs our help. Everyone who knows Jodi has a story or ten about a time when she helped them. Before CRPS, Jodi was tireless. Full of life, laughter and always on the go. Her home, before CRPS, was nicknamed The Fun House by her neighbors. If your kids weren't at home, then they were at hers, likely playing with her two girls Tegan and Breckyn. Tegan is now 15 and Breck is 11. The past few years have been so hard on them. They want their mom back. We all want our Jodi back.

We are raising funds to pay for the spinal cord stimulator (possibly 2) that Jodi needs in order to regain mobility – to get her life back. Jodi has one stimulator already, which helps moderate pain for her lower body. However, she needs at least one more for her mid and upper body. Insurance, despite the first stimulator being successful, are denying Jodi the treatment she needs. They will not pay for another simulator. Jodi and her husband Brian paid for a trial with a second stimulator and it was successful. For one week, Jodi got to experience what life could be like again.

Please help us raise the necessary funding so that Jodi can get her life back. Let's give her girls their mom back!