This fundraiser is for our dear Eric Stifter. Eric is scheduled to have a major spine surgery on September 27th, 2022, and he would greatly benefit from financial assistance to cover his living expenses for his post-surgery recovery period.

As many of you may know, Eric was in an accident in July 2018 where his spine was shattered. He had emergency surgery, where two rods and four screws were implanted into his back to brace his vertebrae as they healed. He had to relearn how to walk and spent six months in physical therapy and recovery.

Although he regained mobility, he is still in immense pain four years later. He recently had X-rays taken of his spine, where it was discovered that the rods and screws are loose and being rejected by his body. He currently has a chronic severe fracture of his L2 vertebra, severe narrowing of his lumbar spinal canal, severe soft tissue damage and significant nerve damage to his legs. His physical health has exponentially deteriorated in the past year; he is starting to lose feeling in his legs because of the nerve damage, it is difficult for him to bend over, and he can’t move very much because of the constant pain. His nerve damage causes him to constantly sweat and shake and he has developed painful dermatological issues. Sleep is difficult. It’s hard for him to sit, stand, or lay down. It is painful for him to get in or out of a car. Sometimes it is hard for him to breathe. The damage from his accident affects every aspect of his life.

Eric has a major and complex surgery scheduled for September 27th in Santa Barbara, CA. The surgeon hopes that this will help resolve the issues from his previous break and surgery. He will have the rods and screws removed, the surgeon will have to shave off parts of his vertebrae for nerve decompression, and there will be a partial bone fusion of his lumbar spine. They are also hoping to partially decompress the discs that are affected.

Eric will have to be stationed in Santa Barbara for 2-4 months after the surgery for follow-up imaging and appointments. He won’t be able to travel anywhere for a minimum of 6-8 weeks. He won’t be able to drive himself anywhere. His parents will be flying out from the midwest to help with recovery and daily care. He will need to be in a brace, using a walker for 6 weeks, and in physical therapy for the foreseeable future.

Thankfully, the surgery and physical therapy are paid for by his insurance. However, he can’t work for the next 4-6 months and needs financial assistance for:

-Living expenses: rent (anywhere near SB is very expensive), food and self-care.

-Pet care: food, medicine and potential boarding expenses for his two beloved cats, Hans and Carl. Carl has diabetes and requires insulin shots twice daily.

-Storage for his school bus: which he plans to build into his home after he is healed from surgery.

-Acupuncture and body work: vital treatment not covered by his CA state insurance.

Eric is one of my favorite people in the world. I love him dearly, as do countless others. He is a human wildflower with a gentle and limitless soul. He adds magic and imagination everywhere he goes. Please consider donating if you have any extra funds to spare for Eric. With financial assistance, he’ll be able to survive these next six months so he has a chance at a self-sustainable future, so he can walk and run and dance again, hug his family and friends standing up, make more cheeseburger piñatas and continue to share his beautiful writing and art.

Thank you <3

P.S. Homemade stickers will be sent out as a thank you for every donation. Keep an eye out for an email from me inquiring for your mailing address!