Jason's Journey

My brother Jason Waddell recently underwent emergency back surgery. What many of you may not know is the severity of his injuries. Jason had been doctoring for more than a year for lower back pain. It is something that runs in our family. Most recently Jason found himself in the emergency room at St. Cloud hospital with excruciating pain more than a week ago. He was sent home on pain meds and told there was nothing that could be done at that time. Days went by and ultimately Jason found himself unable to use his legs one day. He was transported by ambulance to the St. Cloud Hospital once again. There, he experienced a whirlwind of life altering diagnosis. After his fourth and final attempt at an MRI, it was explained to him and his wife Taryn, that Jason had hernitiated discs and crushed vertebrae in his lower back. The worst of this news being that a small price of bone had lodged itself in the nerve which controls his bladder, bowels and movement. Basically all the bodily functions from his belly button down. He needed emergency back surgery in order to remove the fragment and have any hopes of regaining feeling in his lower extremeties. The surgery was successful, but Jason and his wife are now faced with a very long journey of rehabilitation. Jason is fighting HARD! He has come a long way in a few days participating in the In Patient Rehabilitation program. Unfortunately there is no way of knowing when and IF Jason will regain complete use of his legs. This has been very difficult to accept and Jason is determined to work hardest to get back to a healthy 34 year old BBQ king. Medical bills and living expenses are mounting and Jason needs our help. Jason has never been one to ask for anything and is always the first one to offer a helping hand. I am asking for any little financial help any one of us can provide. No one ever plans on creating one of these requests. And most certainly I never expected to need to. I am asking for my brother and his family for any small donation that may help them move forward and assist with the medical bills they have yet to conquer. The goal amount is just a number I threw out there. I couldn't give an accurate amount because we really don't know at this point. All we know is that Jason has a very long journey ahead of him and he really needs the support of his family and friends right now. I am so grateful for the awesome people who have extended their love and prayers. Jason is truly blessed with some beautiful people in his life (especially his wife Taryn). Please let Jason know he has people thinking of him and want to see him come out of this with pride. I will post updates on his progression so that those who love him can see how determined he is to get "back on his feet". Thank you in advance for all your help from the bottom of our hearts.