Our Sheree has lost her sparkle. She desperately needs Spine Surgery

14 years ago our big-hearted, bubbly Sheree suffered an injury that led to recurring episodes of severe back pain. Over the last 5 years these have increased alarmingly to the point where her day to day life has been drastically affected. Determined to keep working but enduring constant, crippling pain she finally had to give up work 6 weeks ago. She bravely battles through every day with her indomitable spirit. Some days she needs to spend most of her time in a recliner chair which can also be the only place she is able to get a comfortable night’s sleep.

4 years ago an application was made to ACC for her to undergo spinal fusion. Now, with ACC cover for surgery declined and public hospital surgery not available, the only option is to go private. The cost of a double disc fusion in NZ starts at $60,000 with further surgery often required within a few years as the adjacent discs are put under strain.

We have followed many leads, discovering that there is a far better long term solution than spinal fusion. Artificial Disc Replacement (ADR), which is not available in NZ, has a far greater chance of success with better long term outcomes for a young person such as Sheree. ONZ - Germany's Leading Motion-Preserving Spine Centre have reviewed her symptoms and radiological images and have approved her as being an ideal candidate for ADR, for which the cost is $76,000.

We will be extremely thankful for every single dollar donated towards getting our ‘SheShe’ back to her 'sparkly’ self.