Hi, my name is Belinda and as most of you know-my life partner James has had a trivial condition making it difficult for him to walk for the past two years. Even so, he always managed to push through and continue to work.

In January his condition worsened resulting in him taking a leave of absence from work. After two years of never having an actual answer and misdiagnosis, he continued to decline and became nearly paralyzed from his waist down along with excruciating pain.

We rushed him to the hospital on Saturday 2/10 after having been there just two weeks prior and sent home for the same issue. They did a couple MRI’s and decided they couldn’t diagnose him-so he was transferred to another hospital. Finally, he received a proper diagnosis which was spinal AVM. This condition is a malformation formed in the womb with the nerves and arteries in the spinal column.

We felt relief to finally have an answer after all this time and even more relief to know it wasn’t permanent. He had to receive two separate surgeries to fix this, one being a major back surgery. I am happy to report that James is in recovery and is on the up and up. But with the recovery barely beginning, his biggest obstacle will be relearning how to walk.

For this, he has to go to a rehabilitation facility where they can provide the tools he needs to get back on his feet independently. Unfortunately, one income alone isn’t enough to be able to support our bills and the payments for these services. They can range from $300-$500 per night and the doctor recommended he stay for 4 weeks or possibly longer. With our savings already depleted, disability taking longer than expected to go through, and high co-pays/bills, we find ourselves humbled.

We turn towards all of you-our friends, family and community asking to please help us get James the medical care and help he needs to get back on his feet and walking again. No amount is too small and please share this page if so inclined.

James looks forward to seeing all of you soon & has been so grateful for all the well wishes.

With love,

Belinda & James