A degenerative back condition has put a Prince George woman into almost constant pain and an almost constant need to be in a wheelchair.
It doesn't have to be this way, but the surgery that could put Lori-Ann Ryser back on her feet is not readily available in Canada.
There is a commonly used surgical centre that specializes in this operation, and she is in consultation with intake teams who are ready to schedule her, but it is in Germany.
A fundraiser event has been organized by her friends and family to help the process of gathering the approximately $60,000 required.
"I'll be out of a wheelchair, I'll be in a lot less pain, I'll be able to go back to work, I'll be able to finish my schooling, I'll be able to be active again with my kids, reconnect with my friends, and I'll have independence again which is a huge thing," said Ryser.
Ryser is a social worker by trade who is now living in a wheelchair-specific apartment in a public housing complex.
Adding to her degenerative disc disease, Ryser also suffers from osteoarthritis, sciatica and was recently diagnosed with lupus.
She has already had two surgeries, but Canada doesn't provide the comprehensive surgery offered in Germany by Dr. Karsten Ritter-Lang, to whom she was referred by others in Prince George who had undergone similar procedures.
"There's just no one here in Canada who can do it. Or, will do it," Ryser said.
It is a 16-day trip altogether, with orientation, surgery and post-op therapy.
"I'm told to expect that I'll wheelchair there, but walk back," said Ryser.
"The effect is that immediate."
The fundraising is already underway, since a bottle donation account was set up with a Return-In Bottle Depot and now a dance has been arranged thanks to supporters like Rebecca Sinclair of Raymond James Ltd., DJ and Sun Life Financial rep Dave Mothus, and food sponsor Curb Your Appetite Express Food Service.
The $25 tickets can be purchased there or at Active Body Nutrition PG.
The dinner and music happens on June 23 starting at 6 p.m. at the South Fort Family Resource Centre (1200 LaSalle Ave.).
For more information, visit the Fundraiser For Lori-Ann Ryser event page on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/events/310727202706275/
Sponsorships, cash contributions and donations to the night's silent auction are all gratefully accepted.
