Sallie Rhodes is a lot of young Auburn women you know. She has bright eyes and a sweet smile. If you scrolled through Sallie Rhodes’ Facebook photos, you would see a person full of life and adventure. She was an ADPi. She was a pediatric ICU nurse. She was happy. She was helping others.
And then, at 25, things started to change for the Auburn grad from Montgomery. First there was pain. Then there were falls. Her body, suddenly, couldn’t do what she wanted it to do.
Doctors told her it was something called Stiff Person Syndrome. It’s a one-in-a-million diagnosis, the kind of thing that has a simple name that hides a sinister betrayal. The neurological disorder locks up your limbs and shuts down your torso. The pain comes with muscle spasms, ruined posture and sensitivity to pretty much everything. Even going outside becomes a problem as things as simple as a loud noise can trigger more body-wracking spasms and more dangerous falls.
Another person dealing with SPS recently told CNN “You can put a sticker on my head and put me up for sale. I’m a statue for your lawn.”
And that’s what happens with this disability. It takes over your body. It confines you in a wheelchair. And then it ruins your life. Researchers say 65 percent of SPS patients can’t function independently. That’s what Sallie Rhodes is dealing with.
Doctors tell her there is a treatment in Seattle. Her insurance says it won’t cover the procedure, so Sallie turned to the Internet. She’s started an online campaign to raise the $450,000 for the life-changing procedure that her insurance company doesn’t cover. Sallie Rhodes, an Auburn woman, needs our help.
You can contribute here.
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Come on folks. Pick your favorite Auburn player’s number & at least donate that much.
Thank you so much for posting this!!!
I wanted to say how proud I am of Sadie for reaching out & telling her story & doing all these things to raise money. I too am an Auburn Grad ’03. I too, know what it’s like to be suddenly diagnosed with life-altering diseases. I want Sadie to know she is not alone. Although I cannot be of financial support, I sure can spiritually & emotionally.
I will pray for you Sadie. To have strength to face each day, to continue doing an awesome job fighting to have your life back, and for your surgery. I know in my heart, you’re going to raise this money! Please let us know how we can help you! I live in Birmingham, Al, and I would love nothing more than to spread the word, get a fund-raiser going here, whatever…you name it! Not only do those, like me, that are disabled understand somewhat what you are going through emotionally, the Auburn Family supports you and you and I both know how valuable that is!! You’re gonna beat it. Keep us posted. I’m going to be following you! At least you have a surgery! Stay focused on that for now;). I hope one day I get the honor of meeting you. Many blessings my friend and War damn Eagle!!
Kenzie Scott
Birmingham, AL. 36
So sorry on previous post! I just realized my auto correct typed Sadie instead of Sallie!!
Learn more at:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stiff_Person_Syndrome
Get your facts straight. Sallie conned you all and still is since her insurance is paying. Too bad she forgot about the IRS.