Hello everyone. My name is Joe, and I am making this fundraiser for my wife, Fela. We live in Richmond, which is southwest of Houston. Fela has developed a condition called Hemifacial Spasm. Hemifacial spasm is caused by vascular compression on the most sensitive part of the facial nerve (REZ) and causes uncontrollable spasms or twitching of her facial muscles on her right side that causes her right eye to close. Needless to say, it has gotten so bad over the years that it is affecting her way of life. She has been to multiple neurosurgeons here in the Houston area who have told her that surgery is too risky and that the best course of action is Botox and/or acupuncture. These are only short-term remedies, and they have never actually worked. Plus, they are not covered by insurance, so it is all out of pocket. She has tried both procedures multiple times with little to no results. It seems as though we have fallen into a medical system that looks at medical procedures as a business for profit and not actually wanting to help and cure their patients.
Over the last few months, she has found some groups who have had the same conditions that have given us suggestions for treatment. One person told her that she got the surgery here in Houston and the results were extremely bad. Her condition actually got worse. She then found a neurosurgeon that specializes in Hemifacial Spasms and has completed many successful operations. Where? Koto Memorial Hospital in Japan. Yes, pretty far away, but the people that she has talked to said it is 100% worth it. I have attached a link to the hospital that actually explains the symptoms and the surgery.
So, here is our situation. Fela is a dedicated elementary school counselor and has been in education for almost 25 years. She is a huge animal lover and does what she can to help animals in need. Her insurance will not cover treatment or procedures outside the United States. If she was to have the surgery here in the US, her deductible from her health insurance is 20%. So, her out-of-pocket cost would be almost $10,000. The cost for this surgery in Japan is just over $9,000. After airfare, hotels, and such, the estimated cost would be over $15,000. This Dr plans a year out for operations, so we are trying to get a head start on getting funds.
Any amount that you can donate would be an enormous help for her to get this surgery with a neurosurgeon that has success with this operation and has made it his life’s work to help people with this condition. The link I have included explains the procedures and has videos of his patients showing the successful outcome of the procedure. The Neurosurgery Center in Japan
Thank you for taking the time to read this and thank you for any amount you can donate. We will keep everyone posted and up to date with plans and progress if we are able to do this.
