Derek and Kelsey Barber are a loving couple and devoted parents, who are facing a difficult challenge. Derek has for years, been dealing with severe, chronic back pain, which has at times impacted his ability to work to provide for his family, and has drastically reduced his quality of life.

After years of fighting for support to find specialists and obtain the required diagnostic tests, such as an MRI, the Barber’s felt like they’d hit a dead end. A friend of theirs shared that he’d gone to Germany for treatment for a similar problem, so after doing some research, they reached out to a clinic in Germany who performs dozens of these surgeries every day. More than 50% of the patients at the German clinic who received this surgery, are Canadian. After providing Derek’s x-rays and MRI’s, they were told that Derek had Degenerative Disc Disease (DDD), and that to correct it, he would need a level 2 disc replacement.

After seeking out specialists and potential treatment in Canada, they were told that he was not a candidate for prosthetic disc replacement, a procedure that could potentially restore his spinal function and relieve his pain. With careful consideration of all options, they made the decision to travel to Germany, to undergo surgery.

The surgery, which includes 7 days of hospital care, and 7 days rehabilitation in Germany, was successfully completed on October 12, 2023. Derek is recovering well, and has started rehabilitation, with the hope that this will be the end of his long and painful journey and that he will be able to resume his normal activities and spend more time with his loved ones and enjoy what he has put on hold.

The decision to undergo surgery in Germany was not taken lightly, as it was going to involve three, very long weeks away from their children, and a significant amount of time away from work, for both Kelsey and Derek, resulting in a loss of family income. They have had great support from friends and family to stay with the kids to try to maintain their daily routines, however, the costs associated with surgery, travel, accommodations while in hospital, and meals, are significant.

Derek and Kelsey are wonderful people who are always eager to help others, and now we would like to help them in this difficult time. Some have been asking how they can support the Barber’s, so we have created a fundraiser in their name.

Please consider making a donation to this campaign, if you’re able, and/or share it with friends and family. Every dollar counts and will make a difference in their lives, as they continue to navigate post-op rehabilitation. Thank you for your generosity and compassion.