Hi, my name is Celeste L. I am raising funds for my boyfriend to have a major surgery that is years overdue due to unfortunate birth defects called Perthes disease. Here is his story…
Hi, my name is Samuel McKean, born on December 3, 1979, weighing 2 lbs 2 oz at birth. My mother had to undergo an emergency C-section due to me having my umbilical cord wrapped around my neck, cutting off my essential nutrients inside the womb, and secondly, being in the breech position, where a natural birth was unattainable due to the dire circumstances at that time. All of which also had me placed in the NICU for an extended period before being released to my parents.
I had to be placed in a body cast in hopes of circumventing the effects of being born breech, causing hip dislocation at birth. This in itself permanently caused the issues I have to this day with mobility and range of motion in my lower extremities.
The fact that I beat the odds at birth was indeed a miracle! I have lived with skeletal issues all my life, making the simplest of things for someone else a no-go for myself. Things like tying my shoes, crossing my legs, kneeling, sitting Indian style, putting socks on my feet, etc.
As I have gotten older, everything has become increasingly more difficult than it was when I was younger. To the point where in 2005, I had a total hip replacement on the left side, as I was in constant pain, and monthly steroid shots became ineffective at subduing the pain.
Having both sides replaced would, in turn, alleviate the vast majority of my pain while also improving my gait when I walk (I walk with a significant limp) and improving my mobility.
The onset of this condition affects the skeletal system’s growth and proper development of joints if not properly addressed. The long-term effects are osteoarthritis, inhibited growth, and degenerative joint disease.
I am reaching out for assistance with the potential expenses my health insurance may not cover, as well as help with other expenses while I recover and am cleared by DOT and my company to resume working again full time.
I am the real-life version of Forrest Gump, as our life story from childbirth is ironically similar.
