UPDATE 3:
While the first caudal epidural (March) was miraculously successful, it lasted only 3 months but enabled a lot to get done here. Tthe second one (August) did nothing, I cannot get ahead of the pain, and I cannot stand for more than 4-5 minutes. Despite pain meds, my heart rate will exceed 120 bpm.
My neurosurgeon has escalated timing for a traditional spinal epidural this week.
Again, I have 2 spinal conditions requiring 2 different neurosurgeons, in 2 different states.
The second condition (symptomatic Tarlov cyst the size of a grape) requires me to sell my home to afford the insurance the Texas specialist accepts. I cannot change insurance until January 2027. I did not understand Medicare Part B's rules and open enrollment - that was the first year I've experienced how it works. So I MUST sell before the end of the year.
The "friend" from X who represented he would volunteer his talent and time turned out to be a fraud and after fundraising on his own to help, cancelled at the last minute (after delaying his arrival for 4 months).
Corporate Home Depot confirmed they have no relationship with "Mav" and do not donate to individuals - ever.
I asked God for a better ability to discern people's intentions going forward - to trust my gut. I'm asking you to join me in this prayer.
From Matthew 7:15-16
Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves. By their fruit you will recognize them.
People from church are asking around - the problem with living in an affluent zip code is that people hire big companies with big invoices. There are very few do-it-yourselfers around.
I owe approx $139K on a home valued at over $450K. The wolves are stalking.
FB Marketplace sales have kept me afloat and I'm posting a Venmo plea [Sandy-Wills-Mom] in addition to republishing this fundraiser. I need, at a minimum, $2,700 (plus, GiveSendGo's commission) for each of the next 3 months. A donation of $10 makes a huge difference when we act together toward the goal!
I celebrate your faith, love, your ministry, and am grateful to God for all of you.
Faithully,
Sandy
UPDATE 2:
A friend is coming from out of state to repair and update this month (he had to cancel the April trip). His work (mostly cosmetic) will increase my sales price by tens of thousands. The hardest part is finding volunteer bodies among my aging (and hobbled) friends!
I need $4800 to get through June and get it on the market. PLEASE HELP if you can.
If you aren't able, please share my campaign and say a prayer for our success.
I realize that I need to clarify my spinal conditions.
- One is debilitating and that is the symptomatic Tarlov cyst (pictured).
- The other was 5 budging/ruptured/extruding discs that the steroid epidural addressed
When I wrote that I was "pain free", that was the other discs responding to the caudal epidural and was true. The Tarlov cyst does not respond to that. Draining the Tarlov cyst wil not work (they refill in hours). Wrapping surgery is the only effective treatment.
If Venmo is more convenient, I'm "Sandy-Wills-Mom
“Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
Thank you all and God bless you!
UPDATE!T his is a long overdue update and I felt it important to wait until I had an interim neurosurgeon procedure that was done last week. Per instructions, I stayed flat on my back with ice for 72 hours (3 days) and I am thrilled to report I am pain free! This is huge and it has been more than five years since I've felt this way. When the Tarlov Cyst gets "angry", I will have some setbacks, but for now I can stand. I can walk. And I am grateful. I will still require ice therapy until I undergo wrap surgery in Dallas and as before, I will need to sell my home.I'm reaching out because I need 4 months to cover the mortgage and am willing to, like before, pay you back upon closing. I cannot be late on those payments and finally, I can see the light toward resolution. God is good. He hears us.I friend is coming here next month to help with minor maintenance and cosmetic improvements and I couldn't be more excited! I don't know if gift cards are available through Home Depot, Lowes, or Menards, but all are within 5 miles of my home. However, I do not have the resources to buy paint and other supplies and could use your help. Links are described below in the original campaign for gifting or loans. Please share this campaign and thank you in advance for your continued prayers!
Sandy
*****************************Thank you for taking the time to read this. My life depends on it.
And I need your help.
I am alive, but I'm trapped by a very rare and painful condition: Large, Symptomatic Tarlov Cysts that have turned my life into a temporary prison, confining me to bed and a recirculating ice machine for 12 hours a day. This is a far cry from a former active and athletic person. I take 10 minute breaks as needed for food and hygiene. I use 7 pounds of ice daily and it's not covered by insurance.
This MRI in the campaign image was taken while hospitalized in October 2025. It shows the large cysts compressing my spinal nerves, explaining the partial paralysis and pain that's left me bedridden. TCs are created by weak walls in the spinal cord. They are surgically corrected by wrapping to restore the normal diameter to prevent nerve damage and sacral bone erosion.
