Urgent Back Surgery for Bill Klassen

Our dad Bill Klassen was recently diagnosed with Spinal Stenosis, severe multiple disc degeneration and other spinal complications.

Bill is an active 76-year-old who used to enjoy travelling, gardening, golf, curling and walking with our mom. For the past 3 years this condition has left him in constant pain and prevented him from doing the things he loves, or even the simplest of activities.

There is surgical treatment in Manitoba but the wait list to see a neurologist is anywhere from 2-6 years and he may not live to get the treatment he so desperately needs.

This treatment is available with minimal waiting through a clinic in Germany, but at a cost to my parents of approximately $80,000. While our parents are more fortunate than others, they are retired, and it is not realistic for them to afford 100% of the surgery costs on their limited retirement income.

Our dad is someone who cares deeply about others and gives of himself to help those less fortunate. He has been part of a team doing outreach to homeless or needy people on the streets of Winnipeg. At least one night a week this team provided hot chocolate, sandwiches, and warm winter clothing to people in need. Additionally, he is now part of an organization that provides education and food programs for children in several countries. One overseas mission provides eye operations in Africa. Dad has the responsibility to send container loads of donated food to Cuba. In just over a year, about 330,000 pounds were distributed to hungry people there.

Anyone who knows our mom (Tina Klassen) knows that she gives EVERYTHING of herself to others. Her time, her money, her love. She has volunteered for many organizations, in schools and at church. Her focus now is belonging to and working with PEO, an organization that promotes and funds women who desire higher education and need financial assistance. Beyond that she is constantly offering to care for friends or their children, drive people to their doctor, prepare food, or countless examples of acts of kindness, both small and large. If you know Tina, chances are she’s gone out of her way to offer you support when needed.

All we want for our dad is to get the treatment he needs and to have the ability to live out his remaining years with minimal discomfort while doing the things he loves. These are two people who give a lot of themselves, and now their two sons are asking for help in return. Every little bit helps!!