In 2006, my life changed forever after a serious auto accident. While in a coma in the hospital, I contracted Necrotizing Fasciitis, a rare and aggressive flesh-eating bacteria. There was no known antibiotic for this infection, so doctors had to remove all of the skin, fat layers, soft tissues, on half of my back and my entire abdominal wall on my stomach. To help me heal, they performed a skin graft using skin from both of my thighs. In 2007, I underwent another surgery where doctors placed a wire mesh to repair the hernia caused by the removal of my abdominal wall. Unfortunately, over the years, that mesh has failed, and I am now facing the need for major abdominal wall reconstruction surgery at the end of February. I have not been able to work since October 12, and I won’t be able to return to work until around June. This has made it extremely difficult to keep up with my mortgage and daily living expenses.

Living without a functional abdominal wall after surgical removal presents significant challenges:

Lack of organ protection: The internal abdominal organs (intestines, liver, etc.) are exposed to potential injury as the protective layer of muscle and tissue is absent.

Organ protrusion (herniation): Without the containment and support of the abdominal wall, the intestines and other organs bulge outward, a condition referred to as a massive or "planned" ventral hernia if not immediately repaired.

Impaired mobility and core strength: The abdominal muscles are essential for core strength, posture, sitting, walking, bending, and even breathing and having a bowel movement. Their absence results in severe muscle weakness, leading to decreased mobility, chronic back and joint pain, and significant physical limitations.

Disruption of daily life: Patients often experience a reduced quality of life, which can include chronic pain, difficulty with normal physical activities, and potential self-confidence issues due to the change in physical appearance.

Risk of complications: The exposed or protruding organs are at increased risk of damage, infection, obstruction, or blood flow issues, which can become life-threatening if not managed properly.

In 2016, I started learning how to play drums. Behind the drums I found salvation. I found hope. I found purpose. For the first time since the accident, I DIDN'T wish I would have died. Now I want to LIVE. During COVID I taught myself how to play drums along with the help of 1000s of online drum brothers and sisters. Even with my disability, I was able to get good. I joined my first band in 2022, and I'm now proud to say that I'm the drummer for FOUR different bands!

For almost 20 years, I have lived with this major abdominal hernia, with only three layers of skin from my thighs covering my abdomen. Although it was the best they could do for me medically in 07, the wire mesh broke long ago, and in the present day there are much better ways to fix a major abdominal hernia. I have struggled to work and live while my body is broken. Wearing abdominal braces for years and having my guts pushed out in my stomach causes me back pain, stomach pain, and gastrointestinal pain. After this major abdominal wall reconstruction surgery; I hope to finally have a better quality of life and no longer need the braces. I hope to finally be free of this constant chronic pain. The funds raised will help me cover my mortgage, phone bill, electric bill, propane, wood, and other basic needs while I recover. My insurance is not going to cover the full cost of this. Hospital bills are already coming in. Any support you can give means the world to me and will help me keep my home and get through this difficult time. Thank you for reading my story and for any help you can offer.