Hello! My name is Shauna, and this is my story…
At the end of May 2023, I was on an island on Winnipeg River when I slipped and slightly scraped my knee on the bedrock. Nearly 2 days later, I rushed to LWDH as the area turned black within a few hours, with no previous signs of infection. I had developed cellulitis that turned into Necrotizing Fascitis! aka Flesh eating bacteria.
To make a long story short…. the doctors managed to save my leg from the hip down. I was loaded with MASSIVE amounts of antibiotics and they managed to stop the flesh-eating part of the bacteria. Since then, it is believed that the infection is lying dormant in my leg and when i overexert my leg in any way, the infection (minus the flesh-eating part) wakes up and immobilizes me for weeks to months at a time. I’ve had several biopsies and seen nearly a dozen different specialists. My pathology has been sent to several labs, and all have come back as inconclusive.
My last “flare-up” not only spread to my hip but also caused a secondary infection, which was treatable, but has caused even more nerve and tissue damage. I now have even more issues with mobility.
I was referred to the Mayo Clinic by my doctor, as my next flare up may not be treatable, and they have approved my application as an International Patient
I will be there for a period of 5 days for further testing, diagnosing and, if all goes well, I will leave there with a treatment plan.
My original appointment was set for Aug 18, 2025 as they wanted to see me ASAP but I have made the request to reschedule for a later date due to finances and it being an international appointment
I am asking for help to cover the cost of appointments/testing/flights/hotel etc.
