The short version:

My dad, Dan Sander, has been battling medically triggered anxiety and nausea for over 10 years. There is a procedure that doctors believe could make a dramatic difference and give my dad his life back. This could be an answer to countless prayers but we need help financially to make this possible. Please do NOT share this on social media. My dad’s depression is driven to much deeper levels when he feels he is a burden on those around him. We humbly ask and really need your help.

The longer version:

As many of you already know, my dad, Dan Sander, has been battling a terrible condition for over 10 years. It started in 2012 after he was prescribed narcotic pain meds for several months leading up to spinal surgery (fusing vertebrae in his neck). Following the surgery, he began suffering extreme anxiety, constant nausea and severe depression. Since 2012 symptoms have appeared after any surgical procedure. Doctors have struggled to arrive at an accurate diagnosis. At one point he was diagnosed with Small Intestine Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO) and received treatment. The condition reappeared multiple times after surgeries and doctors ruled out SIBO, but were unsure the root cause of his ailment.

Dad has spent years exploring every possible explanation. Semi-recently, he has found what seems to be the underlying cause. Post Acute Withdrawal Syndrome (PAWS) is a set of psychological and emotional symptoms that appear after the body has completed the physical stages of detoxifying from a chemical substance. The symptoms associated with PAWS can last anywhere from weeks to years. There is no cure for PAWS. My parents have spent thousands on different treatments without success.

For my dad, PAWS always comes on 5 weeks after a surgery. Dan has undergone several surgeries in the last 10 years and has refused narcotic medication. Even the anesthesia is enough to trigger episodes that have lasted 6 months or more. The most recent onset was triggered by lidocaine given during oral surgery in August of 2021. Dan has now been suffering constantly for nearly two years. He has brief moments of relief which give him a taste of joy. As quickly as his symptoms lift, they return, darkening his light and pushing him further into despair.

Researchers have been studying the use of stellate ganglion blocks (SGB) for the treatment of PTSD since 1990. More recently, researchers have been studying the use of SGBs for other mental health conditions including depression, anxiety and psychosis. Dan has met with a team of medical professionals who are optimistic that this procedure has the potential to bring an end to the darkest season of his life. As life changing as this opportunity seems, the price is a further burden on both my parents.

My dad taught for 33 years serving kids and his community. He has recently retired and has no medical insurance. Years of treatments have diminished their savings.

We are reaching out to YOU because we need your help.

Please join us in praying for my dad. We need to raise at least $5,000 to make this possible. If you are able to contribute financially, that would be a huge blessing. Even the smallest amount will make a difference and will be deeply appreciated. Even if you are unable to contribute financially, please spread the word to raise awareness of the need and the opportunity to help a great man who has spent his life helping others.

Last request:

Please understand our desire for discretion. My dad would be crushed at the thought of being a burden. It is a symptom of his anxiety and depression and we don’t want to add to his pain. Please share this directly with those who care through email, but not on Facebook or other social media.

Thank you so much for reading and for any help you can give!

Katie