Help Todd Griffin Return to Firefighting

When the fire alarm goes off at 2:00 am, Todd Griffin, a volunteer firefighter and captain at the Signal Hill Fire Department, can be counted on to respond and serve with valor. Todd has served the Signal Hill community for over 9 years as a volunteer firefighter, and he hopes to continue serving for many years to come. Last year, he responded to 134 emergency calls and trained for an additional 491 hours. Additionally, this spring, Todd was blessed to have the opportunity to join the O’Fallon Fire Department to serve as a part-time firefighter.

For the past two years, Todd has occasionally suffered from back pain. However, as of May 2024, he began experiencing pain and discomfort that has completely altered Todd's everyday life at home and his duties as a fireman. Todd has been diagnosed with degenerative disc disease that also involves an annular tear, a bulged disc, and a herniated disc. He is not able to bend, lift, or otherwise support the people in his life with simple, everyday tasks. He cannot respond to emergency calls (beyond an administrative capacity) and he cannot enjoy even the happy, everyday experiences like picking up his 2-year-old son Owen. Additionally, Todd and his wife Katie are expecting their second child in January, and nothing would bring Todd more joy than to be able to hold his newborn child.

 

Todd has tried everything. He has completely switched to an anti-inflammatory diet, he has been diligent with numerous physical therapy and chiropractic appointments, regular stretching at home, and he has seen multiple medical professionals. While these things have helped in minimal ways, nothing is showing the hope of helping him get his life back as a father, a husband, and as a firefighter. After exhaustive research, Todd and Katie have found a doctor in Dallas, Texas who can perform a non-invasive procedure called the Discseel Spine Procedure that has a 90% success rate for patients with Todd's condition. Todd has been identified as an excellent candidate for this treatment. The plan is to have the procedure early to mid August. Unfortunately, this procedure is not covered by insurance.

Todd is hoping to raise $20,000 to cover the cost of the procedure so that he can return to firefighting and serving his community. Thank you in advance for any amount you are able to donate.

 

For transparency, my name is Joseph Sustar. I am a firefighter with Todd at the Signal Hill Fire Department. My interest in this project is to help a brother firefighter get back to doing what he loves to do. I also strongly believe that investing in Todd's health is an investment in our community. We are all safer when Todd is able to respond to emergency calls. All of the money raised for this project will go towards Todd's Discseel Spine Procedure.