Hi, my name is Sara and I am starting this fundraiser to help support my brother Michael get through some hard times. Two years ago Michael was diagnosed with a degenerative spine condition called spondylolisthesis. He had surgery to correct the issue. Over the past two years he has done physio and all doctor recommendations but has been in chronic pain off and on for no rhyme or reason. The doctors say his X-rays look normal and the surgery looks to have worked. The pain has made it almost impossible for him to work.

Michael went to school to learn how to be a truck driver in hopes he could work without moving too much or lifting. He quickly found out he could not sit for long periods of time. He had to leave numerous jobs because of his pain (sewer truck operator/ delivery/pickup truck driver, garbage bin driver) . He tried working three days a week at a pet resort doing very minimal labour and has been off work for the past three weeks for pain and had to leave that job today.

He is unable to walk much at the moment and is using a walker.

Michael initially was on disability with his first job but after the time limit was let go of that. He applied for extended but because of the fact the doctors don’t see anything wrong with his spine, he was denied. He is having the same problem with government disability. He has an MRI scheduled soon to hopefully give more insight. He is working with a law firm to help support him to get back on disability from his original insurance company. Of course these things can take years.

This fundraiser is to hopefully help provide some support for his day to day bills that he is unable to pay due to his lack of ability to work. It will also help to pay for services like physio, massage or chiropractic which he would otherwise not be able to afford. I thank you all in advance for any support, well wishes or help you can give.