Jordan Haggermaker was a typical teen, physically active, spending time with friends at Elkmont High School and playing softball. After Shannon Haggermaker noticed an abnormality on her daughter's back, Jordan is no longer living the life that was at one time commonplace.
Jordan, 14, was diagnosed with idiopathic scoliosis, which the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons defines as a condition that causes the spine to curve sideways. The X-rays don't lie: Jordan's spine curves twice, causing her rib cage to twist around into her abdomen, inhibiting breathing and eating.
Jordan's condition meant she had to leave school and now attends virtual courses. She goes to a chiropractor at least twice a week just to get by. A brace therapy did not help and other treatments have had only marginal success.
Vertebral Body Tethering is the best chance Jordan has, her mother said. It involves placing screws into vertebrae and aligning them with an industrial strength cord. It's a minimally invasive surgery and has a history of positive results, Shannon said. Other patients who have had the procedure were back to their typical physical activities within six weeks.
“With this surgery, there's no rods in play,” she said. “Zero percent loss of mobility … There's no failure so far. (Jordan) was thrilled that she qualified for the surgery. If we had (the money) we'd go tomorrow.”
Insurance won't cover the cost, so Jordan's uncle and aunt Rusty and Megon Griffin are campaigning to raise the money for the $75,000 down payment. Even after the down payment, the total cost of the surgery could fall anywhere between $200,000- $400,000. Shannon said she will have to sign a promissory note for the remaining balance, but she will gladly do it if her daughter can return to the quality of life she once had.
Here is the latest fundraiser for Jordan:
April 22
*Trail Ride
*Motorcycle Ride
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