Help Frontline COVID ER Nurse Reid Get Life-Saving Surgery

Emergency Spine Surgery for ER Nurse Who Served Through COVID Pandemic

Urgent Need

My name is Reid Stady, BSN RN. On October 5, 2023, while working in the Emergency Department, my L5-S1 disc ruptured while lifting a patient. After 18+ months of fighting for care, six spine specialists unanimously agree I urgently need disc replacement surgery. My surgeons warn that my spine could auto-fuse "within weeks," causing irreversible damage, permanent disability, and a lifetime of worsening pain if not corrected immediately.

My private insurance ends soon, and despite overwhelming medical evidence, the workers' compensation system continues to delay approval. I cannot wait any longer—my spine, my career, and my life depend on this surgery.

Cost Breakdown

The $85,000 goal represents the actual estimated costs based on specialist consultations:

Disc Replacement: $60,000

Hospital & Anesthesia: $15,000

Rehabilitation: $8,000

Follow-up & Medications: $2,000

My Story as a Frontline Healthcare Worker

For five years (2018-2023), I served as an ER nurse at OHSU, caring for tens of thousands of Oregonians, including throughout the entire COVID pandemic. Like many healthcare workers, I was required to manually lift patients (often 200+ pounds) multiple times per shift without proper lift equipment.

In Dr. Crawford's words, I now have "probably the worst low-back damage I've ever seen in someone your age." Six independent specialists confirm my spine damage is primarily (>51%) from years of nursing work. Before this injury, I had zero history of back problems or mental health issues.

Failed Conservative Treatments

Over 18 months, I've exhausted every non-surgical option:

6 months of physical therapy plus ongoing home exercises

Multiple steroid injections with no lasting relief

Various medications providing minimal benefit

Acupuncture and other alternative therapies

Despite these efforts, my condition continues to deteriorate. The pain never subsides—it's a constant 7+/10, affecting every moment of my life.

Mental Health Impact

The unrelenting pain and disability have taken a severe toll. I've experienced:

Two psychiatric hospitalizations for suicidal ideation

Major depression and PTSD directly related to this injury

Inability to engage in basic activities or work

My mental health providers have documented that my psychiatric conditions stem directly from the physical injury and constant pain. Only resolving the underlying physical issue will provide true relief.

Financial Devastation

This injury has caused:

Over $100,000 in lost wages

Complete 401(k) withdrawal to survive

Chapter 7 bankruptcy

$60,000+ in remaining nursing school debt

Why I Need Your Help Now

My surgeons warn that any further delay risks permanent fusion of my spine, which would eliminate surgical options forever and condemn me to lifelong, worsening disability. In the words of Dr. Musleh: "Delays could cause your spine to start fusing and continuously worsen levels above and below."

I've pursued every possible avenue within the workers' compensation system, but after 18+ months, they continue to delay without explanation.

Your Donation Makes a Difference

100% Commitment: Every dollar donated through GoFundMe will go EXCLUSIVELY toward my surgery and medical recovery costs. Not a single cent will be used for living expenses or other needs.

Transparency: All donations are tracked in a public spreadsheet, updated twice weekly (Wednesdays and Sundays). You can follow exactly how your contribution is used.

Refund Policy: If workers' compensation eventually approves my surgery, or if donations exceed actual medical costs, I will refund donors proportionally. For example, if total medical costs are $85,000 and I receive $170,000, each donor would receive 50% of their donation back.

Tax Information

Under IRS guidelines, contributions to this fundraiser are considered personal gifts and not tax-deductible charitable contributions. The current annual gift tax exclusion for 2025 is $19,000 per donor.

Contact Information

Phone: [phone redacted]

Verification & Oversight

All medical documentation is available upon request

Third-party oversight by my wife (also a BSN RN)

Public ledger of all donations and expenses updated twice weekly

Licensed nurse since 2019

Thank you for helping me get this life-saving surgery. Your support means everything in this desperate time. With your help, I hope to recover and eventually return to caring for patients again.