I used to represent my country as a swimmer in the National Team. Now I am fighting to regain mobility and return to work! Will you help?

My name is Renata and I am a swimming instructor. I have been working for many years at various swimming pools and teaching children and adults not only swimming techniques but mostly the skills that can save lives.  Swimming is my passion and life.

I devoted my childhood and adulthood to many years of hard trainings in order to represent my home country as a member of the National Team.

Unfortunately, one moment has changed everything...

During a walk, my beloved dog started chasing a cat and abruptly pulled my shoulder back – I fell down to the ground...I did not know then that this moment will deprive me of my mobility, work and to the large extent, the ability to function on my own. The next day, the pain in the place where I fixed the dislocated, protruding part of the collarbone on my own was unbearable.

The doctors diagnosed me with sternoclavicular dislocation and a fused vertebrae – an uncommon and very serious damage that has to be treated surgically. Consultations and necessary tests took a long time. I have been on doctor’s leave since 9 October and I have to cope with pain every day. In recent months, I have had the support of my closest friends and co-workers.

My hand is unstable and immobile. Dislocated clavicle that moves freely blocks internally which may cause internal organ damage including  lungs, blood vessels and nerves. The joint is deformed because of the lack of surgery and constitutes a potential threat to my life and health.

Waiting time for a refunded surgery is 6 years. Aside from the degeneration of the injured joint, even if the waiting time was shortened to a year or two, I would not be able to do my job, I would need support and help with the most basic activities.

However, there is a chance for me and a possibility to undergo the surgery immediately in a private clinic, but the costs of the surgery and rehabilitation exceed my financial capabilities and creditworthiness. Urgent surgical help and rehabilitation would give me a chance to regain my mobility and return to normal life and work. 

I am asking for your kind help and to share our fundraiser. Even the slightest form of support will save me. I believe that kindness, goodwill and empathy always come back. Thank you for your support, sharing the fundraiser and even for a slight donation in advance.

Renata