Dearest Loved Ones,

Three days ago in Berlin, I herniated my T12-L1 disc. The herniation is pressing on my L1 nerve root causing me intermittent numbness in all limbs, loss of mobility in my left leg, and other more personal symptoms I wish not to disclose affecting my lower body.

By a miracle Marcel and I were able to get tickets back from Berlin within a day of the incident.

Yesterday I was seen by emergency care in San Diego and have been referred to a neurosurgeon. My prognosis is hopeful, I may not need spinal surgery and be able to regain full functioning of my body. I am taking it one day at a time.

Thankfully, I have excellent health insurance that should cover most of my medical needs. However, our emergency plane tickets home were over $10,000. I am seeking any help with the costs. I am beyond humble and grateful for anything you can give.

I want to thank Marcel who was my knight and rock through the scariest days of my life. We are even stronger for what we had to do - navigate foreign healthcare, transatlantic emergency journey, ER, neurosurgeons and unknown health impacts ahead.

I also want to thank my entire family for helping get me home, giving me support during a terrifying time, and loving me.

With deepest love,

James