Hi, my name is John, and since 2015 I’ve been walking thanks to regenerative medicine—specifically stem cell therapy. It’s not perfect yet, but it’s kept me going through years of pain and disability. I’ve now undergone seven intradiscal procedures, most of them using my own bone marrow (BMAC) or adipose-derived stem cells. I’ve even tried one allogeneic treatment and the experimental DiscSeel procedure. Some helped a little. Others helped a lot—but none have lasted forever.

Now, the relief is wearing off again. My MRI shows severe degeneration at L4-L5 and L5-S1, where the discs are collapsing and pressing against critical nerves. There’s also a tear in one of the discs (an annular fissure) and signs of retrolisthesis, where my vertebrae are starting to slip out of alignment from lack of support. This is causing spinal stenosis and nerve compression that make walking, sleeping, and concentrating on work a daily struggle.

The next step is a repeat stem cell injection with Dr. Patel—an expert in spinal regenerative medicine. This treatment could reinflate the discs, reduce nerve pressure, and restore stability to my spine. It’s my best shot at avoiding spinal fusion and staying mobile while the science continues to advance.

But I’ve already spent over $65,000 out of pocket on previous treatments—much of it on experimental add-ons not covered by insurance. Right now, the $8,000 cost for this next stem cell procedure is out of reach.

So I’m asking, humbly, for help.

I don’t like asking for donations, but this would buy me more time on my feet—and allow me to focus on something that matters to all of us. I’m currently working in genetic diagnostics and helping develop tools that could transform how we understand chronic and rare diseases. This isn’t just about helping me heal—it’s about giving me the stability to help others through science.

If you’re able to contribute, no matter how small, it would mean the world. If you can’t donate, sharing this would help more than you know.

Thank you so much for your support,

John