Taking Back My Stride:
My Journey to Walk Again
A heartfelt thank you to everyone who has supported me through my art—whether by purchasing it, offering encouragement, sharing my story, or simply showing kindness. Your support means the world to me.
It’s hard for me to ask for help again, but I’ve found myself in a challenging position. As many of you know, I’ve been dealing with several chronic conditions, including Long Covid, Fibromyalgia, Arthritis, and a rare genetic disorder called Spinal Epidural Lipomatosis (SEL). Without urgent medical intervention, I risk losing my mobility entirely.
The Challenges I’m Facing
In late 2021, I began experiencing severe back pain following a traumatic event. Initially, I thought it was due to a fall, but over time, the pain became more intense and unmanageable. By mid-2022, I could no longer stand for more than a few minutes without excruciating pain. Since then, I’ve had to rely on a walking cane just to get through daily life.
After months of specialist consultations and tests, I was diagnosed in late 2022 with Spinal Epidural Lipomatosis (SEL), a rare condition where excess lipid cells compress the spinal cord, leading to pain, nerve issues, and reduced mobility.
My other chronic health conditions—Long Covid, Fibromyalgia, and Arthritis—further complicate the picture. Traditional weight-loss methods haven’t been successful due to medical and genetic factors, and exercise is currently out of the question because of the symptoms I’m experiencing.
Without urgent medical intervention, my specialist has warned that SEL could result in the complete loss of my mobility and continence.
What’s the Solution?
After consulting with specialists, bariatric surgery has been identified as the safest option to address the lipid build-up compressing my spinal nerve. Unfortunately, this procedure comes with significant upfront costs—costs I simply cannot meet alone.
The total expenses for assessments, surgery, and post-operative care range from R130,000–R170,000 ($7,600–$10,000). As my medical insurance classifies bariatric surgery as cosmetic, only a portion (20–40%) may be reimbursed after the fact.
How You Can Help
Facing this journey has been humbling and, at times, incredibly daunting. Every step toward treatment has been a reminder of how much I value the ability to move freely, to create, and to engage with life and the people I care about.
This situation has also shown me the immense power of community. Thanks to the love and encouragement I’ve received, I’ve been able to keep my hope alive and focus on the path forward. While I deeply regret needing to ask for help again, I’m determined to take this vital step toward recovery.
If you’d like to join me in this fight, there are several ways to contribute:
DONATE
My friends have launched a GoFundMe campaign to help raise funds for the surgery. Every contribution—no matter the size—helps. Sharing the campaign with others can also make a significant impact.
SHOP ONLINE
When shopping in my web store, you’ll have the option to include a donation with your purchase. Every additional amount helps me take one step closer to treatment.
PURCHASE MY ARTWORK
Support my recovery by purchasing my art, created with passion and meaning. Originals, prints, and more are available on my Etsy store. Every purchase directly contributes to funding my surgery.
My Commitment to You
If my insurance reimburses any of the costs, I will donate the refunded amount to a cause chosen by this amazing community. I am committed to reclaiming my stride, continuing to create meaningful art, and sharing my journey with you.