This is one of the toughest things I’ve ever written.

I’ve been sick for nearly two full years now, with my symptoms first presenting on Jan. 31, 2024, while I was on the road covering Wake Forest Basketball at Pitt. Both my doctor and neurologist believe I have Long Covid, but there’s no test for that and many of the symptoms overlap with multiple other ailments.

What I do know is that among my symptoms are chronic debilitating fatigue, shortness of breath, zero tolerance for exercise or any physical exertion, internal shakiness that also manifests itself with my hands shaking, pain in both of my hands and feet, tinnitus, depression, loss of hearing, and zero stamina. No matter what part of my body is being used, it wears down quickly. If I tap my right foot to music, I have to stop mere minutes later. It feels like I’m walking against resistance. Even chewing causes my jaw to fatigue. The fatigue is simply indescribable. It’s all quite absurd.

To add insult to injury (or perhaps injury to injury) while simply walking across the floor in my house Thanksgiving evening, a got dizzy, lost my balance and fell face first — breaking off one of my front teeth. After convincing myself Friday it wasn't all that noticeable, Coach Forbes ended up asking me about it — during his postgame press conference. Mortifying, and sure to be expensive.

I arrived in the market and began writing about Wake Forest Athletics in 2014, and I’d argue I brought forward a level of coverage Demon Deacon fans had never before enjoyed, delivering a consistent abundance of recruiting news, program scoops, and feature stories that took you on the field and in the locker room alongside Wake Forest student-athletes, coaches, and administrators. Together, we built Demon Deacon Digest into the top source in the market and a place where Wake Forest fans could chat about the program without vitriol and demagoguery.

Additionally, over the last several years, I've also been a contributing feature writer for the Deacon Sports Xtra, where I've proudly shared stories of current Wake Forest student-athletes as well as historic features on former greats like the Trailblazer Award winners.

But my illness, especially the fatigue component, has stifled my productivity and has negatively impacted my earnings. I’m an independent contractor and both of my writing gigs’ pay are determined largely by my activity level. Things almost collapsed a year or so ago, but several Deacs helped get me back on my feet – hoping to buy some time and hoping my health would improve and I could get back to full productivity. Unfortunately, that didn’t happen.

Now I need a lifeline, Deacon Nation. I can’t believe I’m in this spot and I hate doing this, but I need help. I’ve fallen behind on my mortgage, both of our cars, our utilities and other bills — plus the ever-expanding medical expenses. I’ve borrowed regularly from family and friends in a process that has often resulted in robbing Peter to pay Paul.

We are in a big hole. To get even, we'll need to raise close to $30,000. If you have a friend who you believe would consider helping, please individually share with them as well.

Though I have been without real answers to my health issues for nearly 2 years in spite of great medical care, I remain (somehow) hopeful. But I need answers and a new plan, which thanks to some wonderful folks, we are now taking a fresh look at the last two years and the current state of my health in hopes of finding answers and addressing the issues I am facing. I am working with others on my overall finances with the goal of addressing the macro issues and preventing me from ending up back in this spot again – hopefully ever.

Additionally, we’re taking a look at ways to better allocate my time on tasks related to telling Wake Forest Athletics stories in a way that better covers my budget even during this current medical norm.

Feel free to reach out if you have any questions, and thanks in advance for your assistance and generosity.

Go Deacs

Added by request: Our son, Griffin had the incredible and unique opportunity to start reporting with Demon Deacon Digest 24/7 sports several years ago, when as a 15 year old, Les Johns took him under his wing, supporting, encouraging and mentoring him. This relationship and work have led to so many amazing friendships and experiences for Griffin along the way, including the opportunity to be a NCAA credentialed journalist for Division 1 Baseball Regional and Super Regional games. Griffin is now a 1st year student at Wake Forest University, still covering the Deacs – for both 24/7 and the Old Gold & Black. Truly - to be a freshman in college with the type of experiences, exposure and access has Griffin has had would not have been possible without Les. Les may not have graduated from Wake Forest, but he is a true Demon Deacon and he needs our help. ~ Danielle & Michael Lamphier – WFU MBA ’94, BA ’89, MBA’94, MA’25, P’29