Three months ago, I reached out for help covering my spinal fusion surgery and recovery expenses while on reduced disability pay. Your support has been incredible - $3,002 raised so far has helped me survive this far.
But I'm writing today because the situation has become critical.
**What's happened since my surgery:**
On February 24th, I underwent major spinal fusion surgery (XLIF/TLIF) with an expected recovery timeline of 3-6 months. My employer's long-term disability insurance should be covering 60% of my salary during this recovery period - that's exactly what it's designed for.
Except it's not.
Multiple medical providers - including the surgeon who performed my operation - are refusing to complete the long-term disability paperwork required by my insurance company. They've cited internal policies that limit their disability support to 12 weeks, despite performing surgeries that require 6+ months of recovery. I have these refusals documented in writing through patient portal messages.
Without physician certification, my LTD claim is being denied. That missing 60% of my income isn't a convenience - it's the difference between paying rent and homelessness.
**Where I am right now:**
- I still owe money for this month's expenses
- Next month's rent and bills are completely out of reach
- I'm preparing to relocate for family support, but can't afford basic moving costs
- Just transporting my dog safely will cost over $500
- I'm recovering from major surgery with complications including a wound infection
- I physically cannot return to work as a field service engineer - my job requires lifting, bending, and physical mobility I don't have
I'm a disabled veteran who served my country. I worked full-time while pushing off previous surgeries as long as possible. I paid into disability insurance specifically for situations like this. I did everything right.
And I'm still facing eviction because healthcare providers won't spend 15 minutes filling out paperwork for their own patient.
**What I need:**
The original $20,000 goal was for surgery costs and reduced income during initial recovery. That hasn't changed - but now it's also covering the gap created by LTD denial while I fight to get the benefits I've paid for and legally qualify for.
Every dollar helps:
- $500 covers Phoebe's transport to keep my family together
- $1,500 covers this month's remaining bills
- $2,000 covers next month's rent and utilities
- $5,000 covers basic moving expenses and security deposit
- Additional funds cover medical bills, prescriptions, and survival until this gets resolved
**I'm not giving up:**
I'm fighting this through every channel available - insurance appeals, patient advocacy, and potentially media investigation of these provider policies that are harming patients. But fighting takes time, and I'm out of time financially.
If you can help, I'm grateful. If you can share this, I'm grateful. If all you can offer is a kind word during what's been the hardest period of my life, I'm grateful for that too.
Thank you for reading. Thank you for caring. Thank you for any support you can provide.
— Craig