<div><strong>Help Max Heal After Life-Saving Neck Surgeries</strong>
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<div><strong>My Story</strong>
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<div>My medical journey began in <strong>2004</strong>, when I was rear-ended by a drunk driver. Two damaged neck discs required surgery — but that was only the start of a long, painful road.
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<div>In <strong>2006</strong>, the original discs failed. Surgeons went back in and replaced three discs.
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<div>In <strong>2015</strong>, a two-story outbuilding collapsed on me and my brother. I was trapped on the first floor, suffering severe nerve damage.
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<div>By <strong>2017</strong>, I needed a laminectomy through the back of my neck so doctors could drill and reroute nerves.
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<div>In <strong>2022</strong>, things worsened — seven discs had deteriorated. Surgeons placed two titanium plates and two cages in my neck.
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<div>Then in <strong>2023</strong>, a rare bone-eating bacteria attacked the hardware, spread toward my brain, and ate through my esophagus.
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<div>The Crisis in <strong>2025</strong>
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<div>In <strong>October 2025</strong>, the same bacteria returned, causing three holes in my esophagus. On October 13th, Penn State Hershey surgeons performed three back-to-back life-saving surgeries:
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<div>The ENT team repaired the esophagus.
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<div>A neck muscle was cut and repositioned behind the esophagus for protection.
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<div>The neurosurgeon removed both titanium plates.
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<div>A GI surgeon placed a feeding tube in my stomach.
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<div>Two days later, a PICC line was inserted so I can receive IV antibiotics for 6–8 weeks. I will now require antibiotics for the rest of my life.
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<div><strong>My Current Condition</strong>
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<div>I cannot eat or drink anything by mouth — not even swallow my own saliva.
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<div>Every medication and every calorie goes through my feeding tube.
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<div>My weight has dropped from 175 lbs to 148 lbs, along with significant muscle and strength.
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<div>Doctors say I will be unable to work for 9–12 months while recovering.
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<div><strong>Why I Need Help</strong>
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<div>Medical expenses, supplies, medication, and uncovered costs continue to build.
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<div>The financial strain is overwhelming during a recovery that demands all my energy just to get through each day.
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<div>How You Can Make a Difference
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<div>If you’re willing, please consider:
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<div>Donating — every amount truly helps
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<div>Sharing this page with others
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<div>Praying or sending encouragement
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<div>Your support gives me hope as I fight through pain, weakness, and the long road ahead.
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<div>Thank you for standing with me through the hardest season of my life.
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John Goldfus

Paulette Sollenberger

Anonymous

Lori Devine

Dianne Shaub

Lydia Ebersole

Caroline Ziemer

Jill Glessner

Theresia Millasovich

Cynthia Maurer

Paul Armstrong

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