Hi friends and family,
I’m reaching out with a heavy heart on behalf of my sister, Carrie Dugan. As many of you know, Carrie has been suffering from excruciating back pain for the past six months. After exhausting every other treatment option and still facing the risk of permanent nerve damage, she was recently hospitalized in Japan for surgery to repair a severely herniated disc.
The surgery itself was a big step forward, but unfortunately, Carrie experienced a frightening setback while recovering in the hospital. One night, she got up to use the restroom, passed out from pain and medication side effects, and fell face first onto the floor. In that single moment, she lost both of her front teeth.
Being in a hospital in Japan, without being allowed visitors, has made this experience even more overwhelming for her. The Japanese healthcare system is very different from ours, and while we’re grateful for the care she received, navigating it alone while in pain has been deeply isolating and incredibly difficult.
Carrie and her family are planning a trip back to the US this summer, and we’ve decided that the best course of action is to have her dental work done here. Dental implants, however, are not covered by insurance and are an extremely costly and unexpected medical expense on top of what she’s already endured.
If you’re able to help in any way, whether through a donation, a kind message, or keeping Carrie in your prayers, we would be so incredibly grateful. Every contribution brings her one step closer to healing, both physically and emotionally.
We’ll keep this page updated as she continues her recovery. Thank you for showing up for someone who’s always shown up for others.
With love and gratitude,
Amanda Jurrens and the whole Youngblood family
