Set-back_Surgery

Everything was going along fine. I made plans to take part in a segment of the "Sea to Sea Bike Ride" for Poverty. Somewhere along the way I inherited a "pain in the neck"... literally! That pain turned out to be a ruptured disc (C6-C7) that left the bones rubbing together and causing my neck to lock in place at times. I began with an epidural injection on February 25. The shot gave no relief and so, on March 25th I had surgery at UW Hospital in Madison, WI to fuse the bones. With some donated bone and a titanium plate, I was put back together in hopes of going home the next day. Well, it was 4 days before I went home, due to nerve pain. I was back in the ER on Saturday March 30 for almost 5 hours. Today is April 6 and I am still on high doses of pain medication and still have no relief. In had another epidural nerve block injection on Wednesday, but that shot takes 3-5 days to kick in. Today is day 3 and I am still waiting...

On Thursday May 4, we had a Soup and Chili Supper to raise money for my ride. The attendance was fantastic and the profit was $ 1,255.00!! I am humbled by the outpouring of support. My church (1st CRC) also took an offering which amounted to $ 419.00. 2nd CRC also took an offering, but I haven't heard how much was received yet. I was also informed that the Reformed Church of Friesland will be taking an offering for my ride in May. I have reset my fundraising goal to $ 10,000.00,a figure that I never thought possible, but now am confident that I will attain (by God's grace).

I hope to be back on the road to resume training on May 1 (D.V.). Fundraising will continue till August 1. You can still make a donation to help end poverty.   http://tinyurl.com/revken-c2c