Still Fighting to Walk, Still Fighting to Feed My Family

I never thought I’d be in a position where I’d have to do this again, but here we are.

My back issues actually started back in 2020 when I originally injured it moving into our place in East Windsor. In 2021, after the surgeon recommended a one-level discectomy, I went through therapy and worked hard to lose weight, and was able to avoid surgery.

Then in April 2024, everything got worse. I was rear-ended in a severe car accident. I suffered whiplash, a concussion, lost my job, and the car was totaled. Since then, my back pain has only continued to get worse.

On April 30th, I underwent a 4-level laminectomy and spinal fusion. I now have metal hardware in my back. Ever since the surgery, I deal with constant pain, and when it’s cold, raining, or there’s a pressure change, the pain spikes so badly I can swear I can feel the hardware in my spine.

To this day, I’m still struggling to walk, get dressed, take care of myself, help with chores, and be the father I want to be for my kids. I can’t work, and we are still stuck waiting for disability to be approved.

Meanwhile, the cost of everything keeps going up, and we are struggling just to keep food in the house and the basic bills paid.

I won’t lie—this has taken a serious toll on me mentally. The depression from being stuck in this position, still unable to walk or provide for my family, has been overwhelming. I never imagined we would still be here, in one of the hardest chapters of our lives.

I hate having to ask for help again. It’s one of the hardest things for me to do. But at this point, we truly don’t have many options left.

If there’s anything you can do—whether it’s donating or simply sharing this—it would mean more to my family than I can put into words.

Thank you for taking the time to read this.