Who is David? First off, I’d like to tell you a little about Dave. If you know him personally, you already know these to be true, and would likely be able to share a personal example of his selfless character. David has been blessed with the gift of seemingly unending kindness. He uses his words and actions to uplift people daily which clearly gives him joy. If you have David's phone number, he would likely be the first person you think of if you needed help in virtually any scenario, and he would do whatever possible to help. You wouldn’t doubt that he would do exactly what he commits to, because he is a man of his word, and integrity. I am confident friends and family will come together to support David, because if you have known him at any point, he has likely made a positive impact on your life.
What happened? David incurred a lower back injury a few years ago while helping people move. The doctors diagnosed his injury as a herniated disc in his L4 and L5 vertebrae. Although surgery was an option, the doctors advised David of alternative avenues for therapy. Over the next two years he tried a variety of therapies available to help heal the herniation. He quickly began chiropractic therapy with his brother in-law. When this proved to be unsuccessful, he underwent rehab, acupuncture, many types of stretching, yoga, basically anything that was a potential solution other than the last resort, surgery. At times, he thought some of the therapies may be working, but on numerous occasions the amplified pain would return, and it felt like starting all over again.
Surgery is no longer an option: David began feeling better and was able to get through day-to-day life despite the injury. He felt as though his body was healing and that eventually he may make a full recovery, but still had plenty of healing to do. This all changed when the herniated disc began pinching the nerve, leaving him in crippling pain. The pain grew to a point that he was unable to do anything and became completely bedridden. David knew a hand surgeon that he previously gave tennis lessons to and was referred to an excellent back surgeon. The back surgeon was able to squeeze him into his schedule far earlier than any others, and with the overwhelming pain David was in, it was no longer an option to do anything but go through with the surgery. Unfortunately, the surgery was not going to be covered by insurance, but this simply didn’t matter to David, because the pain was unbearable, and the pinched nerve was now affecting his legs as well. He had numbness throughout his legs, and they were beginning to atrophy as a result of the pinched nerve. He then had his fourth MRI in two years and booked the soonest available date for surgery.
Post Surgery: David has now undergone laparoscopic surgery and is beginning to recover. The feeling in his legs are beginning to comeback, and the numbness is lessoning as the days go on. The doctors anticipate a full recovery within six weeks, but it will be painful process. He still has difficulty walking, sleeping, standing for period of more than two minutes, most simple day to day activities. Fortunately, many friends and family have been at his side helping with chores and cleaning around his place, bringing meals, and just providing company. It is no surprise that people around him have offered to help in any way possible, which is a testament to the person he is, and the generosity he's shown towards others in the past.
Financial Assistance: The surgery was not covered under his insurance plan, and although he would be able to pay off the medical bills over the years, I would like to see if we can come together and help put this financial burden behind him. Any donation you can make will be greatly appreciated, and a loving gesture to David. Thank you for your thoughts and prayers, and we look forward to having David back up on his feet with the generous, kind, loving heart that he brings to everyone he meets.
God Bless