Support Debbie McKaughan's Knee Recovery

In 2019, my wife Debbie faced a medical crisis that changed our lives forever. Her right knee, originally replaced 20 years ago, became severely infected with a triple threat of non-MRSA staph, septic pseudomonas, and osteomyelitis. Doctors warned us the odds of saving her leg were slim, but after a year confined to a wheelchair and a successful revision surgery, we hoped for the best.

Unfortunately, our journey was far from over. In 2022, another infection struck, leading to more surgeries, intense antibiotic regimens, and yet another revision. Despite these efforts, the complications continued. By February 2023, an MRSA infection emerged. Debbie bravely endured the removal, cleaning, and reinstallation of her knee components, fighting infection with high-dose antibiotics.

The struggle continued when her patella tendon failed to stabilize her knee. In November 2022, a knee slip caused a devastating fall that broke her right hip, leading to a hip replacement. Since then, recurring slips and falls have caused more injuries, including broken toes earlier this year. Most recently, on November 4, 2024, Debbie suffered a severe dislocation, leaving us no choice but to pursue a final solution: fusing her tibia and fibula to lock her knee in place. This procedure means lifelong dependence on a cane or walker but offers hope for a safer, more stable future.

After years of surgeries, hospitalizations, and rehabilitation, the financial burden has become overwhelming. We’ve never fully recovered from the expenses of her first revision in 2019, and the ongoing costs of surgeries, rehab, and home modifications continue to mount. We are reaching out for support to help cover these costs and provide Debbie with the resources she needs to adapt to her new normal.

How You Can Help:

Your generous contributions will go toward:

1. Surgery costs and hospital expenses

2. Rehabilitation and physical therapy

3. Necessary modifications to our home for accessibility and safety (changing the bathroom from tub to shower with a chair would be amazing)

4. Medical equipment and ongoing care needs

Every donation, share, and message of support makes a difference and brings us closer to helping Debbie regain stability and improve her quality of life. Thank you for being a part of our journey to healing and hope.

We are scheduled for surgery on December 17th.