Please support Dena McWilliams Bensen

I am creating this Go Fund Me page along with and in support of my dear friend, Dena McWilliams Bensen. She and I have been friends since college. We had so much fun together in college and after and now she is no longer able to do the things she was able to do in the past. Please read her important story below.

Dena is diagnosed with the genetic disease EDS, Ehlers Danlos Syndrome, which is a collagen disorder. In case you don’t know, collagen is the “glue” that holds your cells and organ structures together, so to speak. There are many genetic types of EDS. For Dena, EDS is causing cervical, thoracic, and lumbar spondylolisthesis, meaning her spine is collapsing in multiple locations and that causes severe pain, an inability to sit / stand, and severe daily migraines. Due to her syndrome, Dena was forced into early retirement in 2013 due to the debilitating pain, chronic daily-weekly migraines, and complex surgeries she has had to endure. She loved helping others and working in the public health sector.

Dena has had 5 complex spinal neurosurgeries between 2019 – 2023, including one in October 2023. Though successful, she needs to have an additional fusion surgery on her lower cervical / upper thoracic vertebrae (lower neck and upper back). She is planning to have this additional surgery in November 2023.

Dena always maintains a positive attitude and is incredibly grateful for her husband, whose love and support (emotional, physical and time in caregiving) has made it possible for her to face each day and work through the physical and mental challenges of chronic health problems, severe ongoing body pain, & being bedridden from debilitating migraines. When we talk, Dena always says her “bright lights” are her husband and her son, whose smiles and love make each day fulfilling.

Dena’s out of pocket surgical and rehab/ recovery costs over the years have been and continue to be very expensive. Her son has also been diagnosed with this disease and has high medical costs. Her husband and she maintain a frugal lifestyle in order to cover the medical costs.

My ask is that you help support Dena and her family in this long journey they have. Any donation- whether $5, $50 or even more- is and will be truly and sincerely appreciated by Dena and her family and will be used to cover her medical costs.

Thank you for reading and any donation you make! Melanie and Dena