UNM College for Social Transformation - proposed, Albuquerque, NM (2026)

10/17/2024

Hello to friends and family! Though I’ve been in contact with some of you the past few months I have neglected reaching out to all of you about the progress of my recovery from all my crazy medical stuff this year. Things have not gone as swimmingly as I had hoped and I’ve been dealing with random catheter complications/failures and a frustratingly slow healing process. This has been further exasperated by the loss of my original surgeon and having to do most of my medical stuff out of state (in Tucson) now.

My rehab/PT/recovery has been positive, to the point where I can do some easy hiking and non-contact dance lessons to help with my balance/core strength but I still have a bunch of physical limitations.

Have spent way too many hours in doctors offices, at urgent care and in the ER this summer and fall and still have at least one more major reconstructive surgery scheduled for December in Tucson with followup things after that, which will push me out over a year total of dealing with this and not being able to work.

Am hoping to be able to return to grad school (and teaching) next spring once I’m past the worst of all of this. I can’t tell you how much all of your words of support and the donations you’ve been able to make through my sister’s GFM page have helped keep myself moving in a positive direction. Thanks to each and every one of you!!!

For those out there who have had to deal with the medical system we are stuck with, I say don’t give up…! You have to be your own patient advocate and recruit others to your team. You have to be insistent and relentless, but you can get the help you need. I could write a book on my bureaucractic adventures this year. I offer you all of my support in your efforts!