Hello friends and family,

I'm reaching out to you all because I have had to have surgery this week on my C Spine. When I was younger, I had a very serious surfing accident, in which my spine was compressed, creating damage to the discs of my C spine. Initially, my body healed enough so that I was able to continue to surf and coach (I'm actually lucky I am still able to walk). However, the damage was degenerative. Over the last six years, I have suffered with chronic pain radiating down my right shoulder, neck, and arm. Under multiple doctors' supervision, I have tried all kinds of conservative treatments, including physical therapy, cupping, acupuncture, massage, medications, etc.

When the pain became chronic daily and these options no longer provided relief, I met with the top surgeon in this area who recommended surgery immediately because if I did not, the C Spine would continue to degrade downward, damaging more discs and the risk of me losing my mobility and developing stenosis was very high.

The surgery is very expensive ($21,000 USD) because they had to remove two herniated discs, replace them, and fuse them to the spine. I was able to pay this from my savings (which wiped my savings out) and from a short-term loan, which I have to pay back within 3 months.

The good news is the surgery was a success. Two discs were replaced and although I am in pain from the invasiveness of the surgery, the chronic pain is gone!

I am reaching out to my closest friends and family to ask for help to pay back this loan. ANY amount is greatly appreciated and I will continue to keep you all updated with my recovery. I hope to be surfing and coaching again by February, once the doctor clears me to do so.

Thank you all for your friendship and support throughout the years and for considering donating to this campaign. Pura Vida!

David S Solano

PS, Go Fund Me is not supported here in Costa Rica. My friend from the US is helping me so we can use this app.