Dear Friends, Family, and Kind Strangers, UPDATE:
Our beautiful, brave 11-year-old granddaughter, Erin, is facing the biggest hurdle of her young life. On Oct. 1, she had a massive, multi-step orthopedic surgery to correct bilateral hip dysplasia and undergo cord, muscle, and tendon lengthening in both of her legs.
This complex surgery is a major undertaking. Surgeons have reshaped her pelvic and thigh bones, secured them with metal plates and screws, and released tight muscles to give her the chance at a pain-free, mobile future.
She has been entirely immobilized and has not been able to sit normally, stand, or move on her own. Her casts have been replaced with braces and is now receiving intensive PT, alternating with tutoring, twice a day, 6 days a week. This is not an easy recovery, never having used these muscles. This requires a massive effort on Erin's part, working with the specialized PT's, and nurses to try and counteract the pain these new movements require. She is currently learning to stand, and can now take a shower (without her casts, finally) in a chair, and is thoroughly enjoying the ability to take a shower.
The Road to Recovery When Erin comes home from the hospital, she will face an incredibly intense recovery. Because of this, her daily life (and her family’s life) will be completely upended. She will require a specialized wheelchair, and frequent, specialized transportation to intensive physical therapy appointments to help her relearn how to use her legs.
Why We Desperately Need Your Help
Erin’s parents are both full time, hardworking people who also have another sweet, younger daughter to care for at home. While FMLA will legally protect their jobs so they can provide the 24/7 care Erin needs, FMLA does not pay them.
With both parents facing extended time away from work without a paycheck, the bills will quickly become overwhelming. We are raising funds to directly cover:
Lost Wages: Replacing unpaid time off so the parents can focus entirely on her care without losing their home or ability to buy groceries or pay utilities.
Specialized Equipment: Purchasing or renting a wheelchair, adaptive clothing, and home care and hygiene supplies. Converting a bathroom to accommodate a wheelchair (currently does not).
Transportation Costs: Gas, tolls, and specialized vehicle accommodations for endless trips to medical and physical therapy appointments.
Medical Copays: Out-of-pocket costs for the surgery, hospital stay, and extensive rehabilitation.
How You Can Help
No parent should have to choose between paying their bills and sitting by their child’s hospital bed. We want to take the financial terror off this family's shoulders so they can focus entirely on pouring love and strength into Erin’s healing.
If you are able to donate, any amount—no matter how small—will go directly toward Erin’s care and keeping this family afloat. If you cannot donate, please consider sharing this link with your community and keeping Erin in your prayers.
Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for your prayers, kindness, generosity, and love.
With sincerest gratitude,
Donna Gebhardt (Proud Grandparent)
