It has been an honor to serve you for many years as a source of Gnostic thought, ancient and modern. I’m deeply grateful that so many of you have been on this journey with me, as Aeon Byte continues to bring Gnosis to seekers in troubled times.

Now, I need your help. The ole Miguel Conner meatsack is on the ropes.

I’ve shared this physical challenge during podcasts over the last few months. Now, here is my first-ever crowdfunding ask.

Months ago, I was diagnosed with spinal stenosis—a narrowing of the spaces in the spine that puts pressure on the spinal cord and nerves. It has caused chronic pain, numbness, weakness, and increasing difficulty walking. In the worst-case scenario, severe compression can lead to permanent nerve damage, loss of bladder or bowel control, major mobility impairment, or even paralysis.

This ailment has steadily eroded my mobility. Movement is a constant battle. I still can’t feel my left foot, and now my right leg is beginning to lose sensation too. The once-taken-for-granted days of mowing the lawn, walking the dog, or hanging with the family in the park feel like a distant dream. I’m in considerable discomfort during some live podcasts—but the show must go on. Exercise was my chief way of managing my mental health, and losing that has taken a heavy toll as well. And yes, I've acquired a cane.

My physician first advised physical therapy, which has only been moderately helpful. Surgery carries its own massive risks, and I’ve avoided painkillers altogether, given my past as a recovering alcoholic.

Now, my doctor believes there may be something even more serious at play.

Because I do not currently have insurance, the testing and specialist care I urgently need must be paid for fully out of pocket. To determine the next steps, my doctor has ordered a battery of diagnostic tests. To be completely transparent, here is what we are facing just to get started:

• Lumbar Spinal MRI: ~$1,500

• Nerve Conductive Studies & EMG (electro myography): ~$3,000

• Specialist Consultations & Initial Follow-ups: ~$1,000-$3000

Only with these results can we finally map out a course of action to end this continual pain and disability.

So I am asking you, please help me in any way you can. I believe these challenges will be overcome, but for the first time, I need your support to get to a place where I can function, heal, and keep moving forward.

Things are hard right now, but with your support, I know I can get back on my feet (literally and figuratively), keep bringing you the Gnostic light, and be there for my loved ones.

Thank you for standing with me.