Hi, my name is Todd, and I’m asking for help surviving life after repeated brain injuries, serious health decline, and the loss of the physical, cognitive, and financial stability I used to have.

This is very difficult to explain, because I used to be strong, active, and independent. I finished two half Ironmans. I once cycled 100 miles solo to Montreal. I could run, swim, bike, play hockey, train, push through pain, and keep going.

I have also spent much of my life giving back. I helped hundreds of kids through coaching Timbit hockey. I taught hundreds of hours of yoga classes. I used triathlon to help get through one brain injury, and I used yoga, recovery work, LoveYourBrain training, Alcoholics Anonymous, and 12-step recovery-based yoga training to get through another major collapse.

My concerns about my brain health have been serious for a long time. As far back as 2012 or 2013, I was worried enough about the long-term effects of concussions and brain injury that I registered as a brain donor with the Concussion Legacy Foundation. This has never been something I took lightly. I have been trying to understand, manage, and survive the effects of brain injury for years.

Now I cannot walk for more than a couple of minutes without pain. I cannot run anymore. I cannot cycle anymore. I cannot swim anymore. I cannot play hockey anymore. I get out of breath making my bed. I get out of breath going up one flight of stairs. I need to rest after basic tasks. Some days, even walking to the bathroom is painful.

I have gone through four complete functional collapses. Each time, I fought hard to come back. But this time, I do not have the cognitive, physical, mental, or financial stamina to keep carrying everything alone.

I am on long-term disability and I am one decision away from being homeless. I have already gone bankrupt once, years ago, trying to survive, and I am now on the edge of bankruptcy again. I am no longer able to keep up with all of my bills, and some are not being paid because I simply do not have enough to cover everything.

I am dealing with serious medical issues involving brain injury symptoms, cognitive impairment, chronic pain, fatigue, reduced stamina, mobility problems, and ongoing neurological and physical decline. These issues affect my ability to think clearly, process information, walk, stand, manage daily tasks, handle stress, attend appointments, complete paperwork, and function consistently.

I want to be clear: I am not writing this because I have given up. I am writing this because I am trying not to become another person destroyed by repeated brain injuries, disability, pain, isolation, financial collapse, and lack of support. We have all seen what can happen to athletes, veterans, and people with brain trauma when they are left to carry too much for too long. I am asking for help before this gets worse.

I’m raising funds because I need help surviving this period. Donations will go toward basic living expenses, rent or housing stability, food, transportation, bills, medical-related costs, and practical support while I deal with disability, medical testing, recovery, and uncertainty around my ability to work.

This is not easy for me to ask for. I am used to being the person who pushes through, teaches, coaches, supports others, and finds a way. But I am at a point where pushing harder is not enough. My body, brain, and finances are no longer giving me room to recover.

Any donation, no matter the size, will help me stay housed, stay afloat, and get through this with a little more stability and less fear. If you cannot donate, sharing this fundraiser would also help.

Thank you for reading and for any support you can offer.

Forever grateful,

Todd