Dakotah is doing wonderfully!!!! She is tolerating so much more time in her chair. Her most recent post-op appt was a good one. Her pre-op curve measured 73 degrees. Her post-op measured 29 degrees. AMAZING!!! The other great thing - and even more important than the numbers - is that her trunk is now centered over her pelvis. The doctor said this is the main goal of the surgery and it helps her hips. She is also not drooling like she used to (since she's sitting up straight and her head is up all the time now) and doesn't have to wear bibs anymore. She is back in school and I am finally back to work. However, we still have a ways to go before we are out of the woods financially. I did not have any income in the month of December so the county I work for billed me for all my insurance premiums (health, dental). I now have to pay those back this month. My paycheck on 1/15 will be significantly less than usual because I still have some leave w/o pay on it and then they are taking 1 of the 2 payments for my health insurance premiums ($250). I will have to pay the other $250 out of my check on the 30th.
I have managed to be able to make a van payment every 30 days so they do not take my wheelchair van; however I still owe for November, December and then January will be due the 30th. This is the main thing that I really need help with. I just can't lose my van or I will have no way of getting Dakotah to school and to all her doctor's appointments.
Eventually I will get the utility bills caught up, but in the meantime I continue to rob Peter to pay Paul - when I do get some money. Keeping groceries in the house also continues to be struggle.
I still have the Dollar 4 Dakotah paypal account set up and still welcome (and need) any gifts that anyone can give. $1 is all it takes. If enough people do this and pass it along to others, those dollars add up and can possibly pay my electric bill or a van payment. The directions for giving can be found on the right-hand side of my blog.
I appreciate everything everyone has done for us so far to help. I know that without your prayers and support we could've ended up homeless again. THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU!!!!!!
Happy New Year to you all!!!!!!
