My mom, Shawn Eckhart, has had arthritis in her left hip since 2015. It also is in her right hip and back. Her mobility is limited and she uses a walker and cane. She’s been using a cane since July 2021. Subsequently, my mom puts uneven pressure on her right leg and foot. My grandpa even told my mom if her right hip goes out, she’ll end up in a wheelchair.

She’s in pain a lot. She lives on the second floor of an apartment complex with no elevator. It’s hard for her to carry items upstairs and tires her out. Mom has limited capability to bend over, stand long, or do household chores. She no longer can shave her left lower leg, wear laced or zipped shoes/boots or clip her own toenails. She’s losing her independence.

Her limited mobility has made her gain an extra 60lbs or so. Recently, she was diagnosed with prediabetes which can lead to a whole slew of other problems, if we can’t reverse it.

This time last year she worked her way out of homelessness and found stable housing. Mom doesn’t have any funds because she was in rebuild mode when she lost her job. Additionally, she hasn’t received any unemployment money yet. This happened about the same time her roommate moved out, leaving mom to shoulder the full rent herself.

She couldn’t do it before because she had to take care of my special needs brother. He is now living in an independent living situation with staffing. She has the time now and it needs to be done.  Because she’s needed surgery a long time, I anticipate intensive physical therapy and recovery time will be needed.

I hate to see mom like this. She can have a better quality of life—if only she knew she didn’t have to worry about daily living expenses of rent and utilities during her recovery. She doesn’t want to commit to surgery and have to recover in her car.

If her story inspires you, please consider donating so I can go on walks with my mom again and she can have a better quality of life. Otherwise, please share to your social networks to increase awareness. I love my mom and it doesn’t have to be this way. We just need some help. There are no platform fees on site. She will receive all of the funds.

Thanks for your consideration ❤️ 

Callie