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I'm asking for support for my partner Matt Nicora to get stem cell therapy; because he won’t ask for help himself. Matt is a firefighter, a father, a friend and my favorite adventure buddy.
Over the course of his 12 years on duty Matt has sustained many acute injuries to his lower back. But in Mid July while on duty Matt injured his back again, this injury has not only threatened his career but his livelihood and ability to hold his children or adventure with them. Since his injury he has been in constant pain and unable to continue working, or maintain his active and adventurous lifestyle. He has been on Workman's Comp, which has been a long and drawn out process. Matt has had steroid injections as well as countless appointments and physical therapy sessions with marginal change in his condition. Surgeons want to fuse his spine, but also don't want to go on with such an invasive surgery due to his young age (32).
Matt has spend his career life serving his community in emergency response. He has volunteered as a firefighter, worked with CalFire, a member of a county technical rescue team, worked with private ambulance companies, as well as Ski Patrolling at our local mountain. Working hard and helping people are what he is passionate about. That and sharing the love of nature, adventure and radness with his two children. Matt has accomplished a lot over the years including a thru-hike of the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT). He hopes to hike the PCT again with his children one day.
Although his career is a noble one, it has a tendency to take a toll on its members physical health. All too often First responders are chewed up and spit out.
Essentially we are at a loss, and aren't sure what is in the months (or years) ahead. Over the past 9 months Doctors and Surgeons from UCSF Spine Center (and elsewhere) concluded that the only "fix" would be spinal fusion, which they are reluctant to perform as he is "20 years too young." Meaning that a pain management strategy with physical therapy and pain medication is currently his only option.
Matt's injury includes annular tear and protrusion in his L5/S1 disc (and others) pushing on his spinal nerve 75%. Imaging also revealed signs of spinal arthritis and moderate narrowing of his spinal canal.
Our objective is to get Matt stem cell therapy at Cellular Performance Institute. CPI has been made famous by successful treatments on dozens of professional athletes and often promoted by Joe Rogan. Although nothing is guaranteed, Matt has a 70% chance of FULL recovery vs the prospect of 0% to marginal recovery suggested by his Dr's "Get a desk job," solution.
With lots of success stories coming from CPI we are feeling optimistic but the cost is grand. So we are reaching out to friends, family and community members who may be willing to donate.
With your help we will get Matt a safe and effective treatment, not possible in the USA. We will give him a chance to avoid an invasive and risky surgery. And ultimately give him an opportunity to hike, backpack and snowboard with his children (and me) again. At the very least this could grant him the ability to split firewood, shovel snow or do things you may take for granted.
This injury has turned out lives upsidedown, but we're confident that it's only temporary with your help!
Let's get Matt to Mexico (for stem cells) and back out in the woods.
Every donation and share helps!
We appreciate you!
Organizer
