Help Eliza Get Back On Her Feet

I have always been very active, getting the most joy in life from running, hiking and horse riding. In 2016 at age 18, I had a horse riding accident and broke my ankle.

The break was severe, and I now have severe post-traumatic osteoarthritis - basically some hardcore joint problems. My ankle is fixed in an incorrect position, is unable to flex, and I have ongoing serious pain. Running is impossible and I can only just manage to walk short distances. I am 23 years old and I am desperate to be active again.

I have been searching for any way to get more active, including considering amputation - however there have been no good options on the table, until very recently when I read about a device called the ExoSym. It is a very clever hybrid prosthetic‐orthotic design, ideal for people with painful and damaged ankles like mine. I have done extensive research into the Exosym, (including meeting a New Zealander who has one) and have been informed by the Hanger (ExoSym) Clinic that I am an ideal recipient.

The plan is:

- Step 1: get my ankle fused - a surgery that will fuse my ankle so that it is set at a more practical angle.

- Step 2 (this is what I need funding for): once fusion is healed I will travel to Seattle, Washington (where the Hanger Clinic is based) to get my own ExoSym made and fitted. I will spend approximately 3 weeks there - this will give me enough time to go through the process at the clinic, learning how to use the device + getting adjustments done.

- Step 3: Return home - hopefully with much more mobility and no pain! The ExoSym allows those with damaged ankles to actually run, jump, play sport, hike.... This will open so many doors for me, enable me more job opportunities and give me back an active lifestyle.

I aim to get all this done as soon as possible. Aiming for the Ankle surgery surgery sometime early 2020, followed by ExoSym as soon as I am recovered enough (and have the funds - Exosym is about $14,000 NZ dollars).

Please check out the Youtube Link I have provided, about a girl with a similar case to mine - gives more of an idea about how the ExoSym could change my life.