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Princeton Woman Heading to Germany for Spinal Surgery

Tuesday, 13 January 2026 06:19

By Marcie Culbert X @marcieculbert

Photo Credit: Help Give Lorissa Her Life Back — Spinal Surgery in Germany GoFundMe pag

A GoFundMe page looks to support a Princeton woman as she receives life changing spinal surgery in Germany.

PRINCETON - Imagine waking up from having brain surgery, not being able to move your left leg from your hip to your toes.

That is what happened to Princeton's very own Lorissa VandenHeuvel in 2019. She had a benign brain tumour removed after it was causing her to have seizures and pass out. The surgery came with a 10 percent risk of complications.

The mother of two spent three to four years teaching herself how to walk again, but her gait was off so it put a lot of pressure on her lower spine.

"I've got two discs that are severely bulged, degenerative disc disease and severe stenosis. So a lot of fun stuff being pinched off."

After researching her treatment options, VandenHeuvel found a clinic in Germany that could perform a procedure that could restore her movement and reduce pain. She has a surgery scheduled for February 5th, 2026.

"They are going to be doing artificial disc replacement. So they will take out the two bulging discs and replace them with artificial ones."

VandenHeuvel will stay in hospital for seven days after surgery, followed by another seven days in a rehab centre.

Her loved ones are trying to raise $80,000 to help cover not only the medical related costs, but also the travel and two weeks of accommodations and living expenses for her family of four. You can donate through the GoFundMe page online here.

VandenHeuvel says this surgery will be life changing for her and she is glad she did her own research to find it.

"There are so many other options! For those who feel stuck, I encourage them to do their research in other countries as well a Canada and pick out what would be best for yourself."

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