As some of you know, Rick had started treatment at the end of August for what was diagnosed as a collapsed vertebra. We were expecting a minimally invasive outpatient surgery.

We spent the next few weeks battling our insurance, who repeatedly denied coverage.

On September 18, I had to take him to the ER where he was immediately admitted and rushed to surgery early the next morning. His surgery turned into nearly 3 hours and was much worse than anticipated. He spent another 3 days in the hospital.

Rick continued to get worse, even losing the ability to walk at times.

After a second spinal injection and multiple tests, we were told that his recovery was not improving and that he had also developed a herniation in the surgical area. His next, and really only option was a 360 spinal fusion procedure. Without he would risk becoming permanently paralyzed.

On December 23rd, he had this second spinal surgery where they removed that entire part of the spine and replaced it with a cage, bracket, and screws, both anterior and posterior. This surgery was 5 hours and 20 minutes, with 4 days in the hospital, and yes, he spent Christmas in the hospital.

After his post op appointment yesterday, we understand there could easily be up to another full year of recovery.

We were certainly not prepared to be in this situation; not many are when it comes to an emergency, especially one that has turned into so much. We are still battling our insurance who, at this time, have denied the December surgery.

We are to the point now where we have exhausted our resources so, we have decided to ask for a little help.