Help take pain away for theatre-maker Jo

East London teacher, musician and theatre-maker, Jo, has been battling with lower back pain for 3 years, and after many visits to the doctors and physiotherapists, and disappointment after disappointment, one doctor finally established that Jo has chronic inflammation. The search for the cause of it started, and after a lengthy and rather costly search, she travelled to Port Elizabeth to see a neurosurgeon. At this time, it has already become impossible for Jo to stand or walk for more than 5 minutes without being in pain, creating massive difficulties in her classroom, on her stage as well as in her daily activities. Upon an MRI scan, she was diagnosed with radiculopathy as a result of degeneration of the lumbar spine, accompanied by chronic back spasms. The doctor suggested surgery as soon as possible, as permanent nerve damage is imminent and conservative measures proved to not be effective and pain medication seems to be failing. The surgery promises to bring immediate pain relief.

Jo then submit her claim to her medical aid, who declined the procedure. Jo has taken this up with the appropriate companies who might be able to resolve this issue, but it is a very lengthy process and the operation is a matter of urgency. Various routes have been tried and tested, but unfortunately this operation can not be done at state hospitals - thus there are only one option left: to pay for the operation herself. The news of the medical aid's refusal to pay has come as a great shock, as this is quite the amount to get together in a short amount of time.

As Jo's friends, we decided to open this campaign to assist her in funding her operation, to bring her relief and get her back on her feet, doing the things she does best - teach, create magical theatre for the community and her students, and share her passions with everyone around her. We would appreciate your help!