Hi, my name is Brad, and I’m asking for help during one of the hardest moments of my life.

I’m currently facing my 5th spine surgery, which my surgeon has labeled as emergency surgery. After my last operation, new imaging showed a large T1-T2 foramina disc herniation — just below the area that was previously fused at C7-T1. While the previous decompression looks good, this new rupture is compressing the nerves on the left side, causing severe pain and grade 3 weakness in my left hand.

Simple tasks — like putting on deodorant or tying a balloon — have become almost impossible. The weakness and nerve pain are constant, and my surgeon has recommended an urgent T1-T2 left-sided discectomy with C7 through T2 posterior pedicle screw fixation and fusion to prevent further loss of function.

Unfortunately, I lost my health insurance in April, and since then I’ve been denied or delayed through every safety net I’ve tried — SSDI, Medicaid, and Marketplace insurance.

I now have to pay $800 per month just to maintain temporary coverage out of pocket which doesn't start until November 1st, not including the surgical costs for the surgery I need on Friday!

I’ve always tried to take care of myself and never imagined needing to ask for help. But now, I can’t do this alone. Every donation — no matter the size — will go directly toward:

Paying for this urgent spine surgery

Covering my monthly insurance premium

Supporting post-surgery care and recovery

If you can’t donate, please consider sharing this campaign. Every share helps me get one step closer to surgery and healing.

Thank you for your compassion, your time, and your kindness during this difficult chapter of my life.

With gratitude,

Brad