Help Theresa Receive An ExoSym® Prosthetic Device

Hello dear friends

I have been part of many fundraising events for numerous friends and loved ones over the years. It's an odd thing, turning the tables and typing this story for myself. But here goes…

As many of you know, back in May of 2020 I had a very serious foot injury. I was sent by ambulance to three different hospitals before landing at the University of Minnesota Medical Center for over two weeks. I broke multiple bones in my foot in what is called a Lisfranc break.

"A Lisfranc injury isn't life-threatening but is still very serious. Because the Lisfranc joint is so important to your ability to walk, run or move, breaking any of the bones in it — or injuring any of the ligaments and tendons supporting it — can have a big impact on your quality of life."

The surgery I had to repair these broken bones and ligaments was quite extensive and in the end, helpful, but not very successful. In less than a year the screws all broke. A year after that, severe arthritis and deformity set in.

Today, walking has become extremely painful. My doctors have worked hard to improve this situation. I have gone through numerous PT regimens, multiple injections, and a new technique called Softwave Therapy this past year.

Nothing helps with the pain or improves my ability to walk. Lupus and Rheumatoid arthritis only make my situation worse. The past year has been very difficult for me as depression associated with the lack of mobility has become an issue.

In my search for options other than fusion or amputation, I found a promising alternative — the ExoSym® Prosthetic/Orthotic Device.

While on vacation last year, I met a woman who was hiking a riverbed and walking her dog while wearing the device! This woman has since become a dear friend and one of my biggest cheerleaders for me to get one.

Today, just before writing this, I received my official CONGRATULATIONS letter from the maker — the Hanger Clinic in Gig Harbor, Washington. I have been approved for the device!

The downside to this news is cost — Medicare and my supplemental health insurance will only cover 10% of the cost. I will have to pay $10,000 out of pocket. This includes the balance of $9,000 for the device, plus $1,000 living expenses for two weeks in Gig Harbor, Washington to fit the device and learn how to use it. Thus my fund request for $10,000.

I was very encouraged after my initial consultation at the Hanger Clinic here in Minnesota. I will never forget hearing the doctor say, “This could be a life changer for you.” Such welcome words after feeling so hopeless. Please consider helping me pay for this device. I can’t do it on my own. Having lupus for the past 16 years has taken its toll on me. So many of the therapies have been a shot in the dark. The ExoSym® would have a significant impact on my health. Mobility is the difference between life and death, especially with a chronic disease.

Please feel free to ask me any questions. Also, I encourage you to look into ExoSym®. Information can be found here:

https://hangerclinic.com/blog/featured-technology/hanger-clinic-exosym/

I also ask that if you feel comfortable doing so, please share this fundraiser. It has been my experience with helping others that gifts come from the most unlikely places. There are so many good people in the world who make it their joy by helping others.

Thank you so very much.

Theresa