Dana was diagnosed with Degenerative Disc Disease. To help with this she had her first surgery in the spring to help alleviate pain, resulting in being out of work for 6 weeks. While she was home recovering, she developed a hematoma and blood clot that also needed care. After returning to work, she was still having significant pain and neuropathy, making it difficult to go back to work in a full-time capacity. She was then referred to Mayo Clinic to see a neurosurgeon and spine specialist. After several visits and extensive testing, it was determined that there was a narrowing of the spinal canal and bilateral foramina narrowing at levels C3-C4 and C4-C5 that needed to be fused together. Not only did her testing show needs for her spine, but also significant carpal tunnel, needing a Carpal Tunnel Release procedure in the beginning of December, and recovery at home until she can return to work in January. Dana is currently going to physical therapy and getting regular injections to manage pain. All of your donation will go directly to Dana, and online gifts are boosted by 20% through our Lend A Hand Up sponsors. Cash and checks may be gifted directly to Dana Castaneda.