A decade ago, Jessica Riggs of Saltash, England, started experiencing debilitating symptoms which caused her to lose her job as a marine biologist. After several years, she was finally diagnosed with a rare spinal cord condition that causes neurological symptoms and could lead to her being paralyzed. Unfortunately, no treatments were available to her through England’s National Health Service, so she had to seek out other options overseas.
Riggs found a clinic in Spain that could perform surgery to help stop the progression of her spinal condition, but the procedure and her recovery would cost over $30,000. To raise funds, she teamed up with 16 of her friends to create a nude calendar inspired by the film “Calendar Girls.” They stripped down and posed for photos and Riggs says the project is a way to “empower women.”
The calendar quickly became a success, selling over 400 copies with sales raising nearly $28,000, and bringing Riggs that much closer to her goal. She’s been promoting it at Christmas fairs and online and has been deeply touched by the generosity of strangers willing to support her cause. Her surgery is scheduled for January 16th, and she’s optimistic it will improve her quality of life and give her a chance at a better future.
Source: NY POST
