Hi, my name is Joanna and I am creating this gofundme on behalf of my partner Dustin Jacober. In July 2021, his life was turned upside down when he sustained a traumatic head injury and whiplash injury. At first, the extent of his injury seemed in line with concussion symptoms until a month later when he experienced a sudden shooting pain behind his eye and from his temple down the right side of his head. From that point on, he progressively declined as the pain was debilitating and constant every day. Dustin lost his job working as a CPA a few months after the accident. He has surrendered care of his pet kitten, and is unable to drive or live an independent life. The past 3 years have been in complete darkness and silence.

We have seen so many doctors, been given numerous potential diagnoses, and tried many medications and procedures. Through this journey, Dustin has been diagnosed with trigeminal neuralgia and occipital neuralgia, which are nicknamed “suicide diseases” due to the unbearable pain experienced.

We recently sought out a surgery consultation to determine if Dustin is a candidate for a nerve decompression surgery. After listening to his story, the surgeon agrees with the diagnosis of neuralgias and that he would be a candidate for this surgery.

We have truly exhausted all other treatment options including vision therapy, trigger point injections, Botox injections, and nerve blocks. This surgery is our last hope of giving Dustin some relief from the unrelenting pain he has experienced over the last 3 years.

Unfortunately, this surgery is still considered experimental by the FDA, and therefore not covered by any insurance.

Our savings accounts have been completely drained from medical costs, and Dustin is rapidly accruing debts. This is where we are humbly asking our community for help. We are devastated that we finally have an answer, and the only barrier is cost. It had been heartbreaking to see someone you love become a shell of who they once were; so consumed by pain that even laughing and talking hurts. We are so excited to relearn what a “normal” life can feel like, and to have him experience the world again. This procedure offers Dustin a chance to get his life back.

We are looking to raise enough money to cover the surgeon’s upfront costs and travel to San Francisco for the procedure. The surgery will be on October 26th 2023. The surgeon will preoperatively complete 3 nerve blocks, which will cost $900. The nerve decompression surgery will be $15,000, with an additional $4,000 facility and anesthesiology fee.

Thank you for reading our story. Every little bit truly helps and we are so deeply grateful for however you are able to help.

Sincerely,

Dustin and Joanna