As much as I regret having to do this again, I must turn to the kindness of friends and strangers for help. In November of 2023, I was diagnosed with kidney cancer at Stage 1, and by the time I got into surgery in January 2024 with the intention of a partial nephrectomy, where they would only remove the tumor, the cancer had progressed to Stage 3, causing a radical nephrectomy and the full removal of my left kidney. I began chemotherapy in March of 2024, completed a year of that treatment in March of 2025, and was declared in remission with no further growth found. I was ecstatic and happy that I would have the chance to hit 60 (which is in September of 2025) with a clean bill of health and put it behind me, moving forward with goals and dreams that had been put on hold for the last year and a half. I had 6 weeks of recovery and moving forward until mid-May.

I also suffer from severe spinal stenosis, and the MRIs that I took in November of 2023 had shown some worrisome disc issues, which I knew we'd be taking care of at some point. However, bending over one evening, I felt a "pop" in my lower back and some initial discomfort and knew I needed to sit down. That was on a Wednesday night. Over the next few days, the pain began to grow, and by Sunday, I was in complete agony, bad enough that I almost went to the hospital/ER. I had an appointment set with my doctor already for Monday, so I was able to wait until then, and he was able to prescribe some prednisone and muscle relaxers, which did help initially, but also with a recommendation/referral to Neurosurgery for further testing.

The tests showed what I feared the most - the discs L4 and L5 in my lower back (lumbar spine) showed damage, and the repair has to be a spinal fusion and cage of those two discs. Disc replacement is not an option, unfortunately. This is my 3rd back surgery following a cervical laminectomy in 2002 and a spinal fusion of my C5-C7 (cervical spine) in 2013.

As I had just finished a year of chemo 6 weeks before this event, and only having Medicare for my insurance, I am completely tapped out. My portion of the surgery is a $5K payment, and I will lose, at a bare minimum, two weeks at my part-time job for the surgery. Of course, bills don't take a vacation, and I'm beginning to get extremely stressed out at the whole situation. It was suggested that I put together a GoFundMe to help with this current event.

I understand that times are tough for everyone, but I also know there are a lot of angels out there. If you are willing and able to donate or know those who do, please consider helping out. I'm not sure where else I can turn to for what is needed. I've definitely found that the kindness and love of sometimes complete strangers can save many things. And know that I absolutely appreciate any assistance that you may be willing and able to offer.

Thank you for your time in reading my story.

With love,

Kenny