Charity Bike Ride Feb. 23- Husband to Ride for Wife

I would like to draw attention to something my husband will be doing for me. Much of the story can be found here:http://ride2relieve.blogspot.com.

Four years ago I was in a car accident and last year the culprit for my pain (a tear in my disc) was finally discovered which has led us to find treatment: injecting my own stem cells into my disc. The procedure will be done locally, in Trinity, FL. Unfortunately, this procedure is approved only for FDA clinical trials and is therefore not something my insurance will cover. Though, they will cover a $100-130,000 irreversible spinal fusion, they will not cover a $12,000 stem cell therapy treatment which for me, is more likely going to alleviate my pain. In the midst of a changing healthcare system, there are many things that could be effectively changed to truly help the American population, this falls into one of those categories.

A few weeks ago, my husband decided he wanted to do a bike ride for me in order to raise money and awareness for this type of procedure, he plans to ride as many miles as he can in a 24 hour period. I cannot say how much I appreciate all that he does to help me every day, as well as his patience.

While making this public would obviously benefit my cause, it would also bring about more awareness for this type of procedure, and perhaps give someone another option. Maybe there is someone out there like me who is in pain and isn't sure what to do as a spinal fusion may not be the right or best choice. People  should know there are other options that, while they may be out of pocket expensive, they are not as irreversible as a fusion. Perhaps too, insurance companies can consider changing their costly policies and allow for coverage of a less expensive procedure in lie of one such as a fusion.