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My Spine Is Failing at 24 – Please Help Me Get Surgery

Hi, my name is Zoe, and I’m reaching out for support during one of the most difficult and vulnerable times in my life.

I’m 24 years old, and I’ve been diagnosed with a severe spinal condition — one requiring surgery for people typically in their 50s or older. I’ve been living with chronic, worsening back pain for a long time, and now it’s reached the point where everyday tasks — even standing, walking, going to the toilet or sleeping — are painful and exhausting. Before all this, I was an active and energetic person with dreams of being an artist, owning my own small business, and travelling the world. I used to enjoy dancing, singing, and performing on a stage. Now, I can barely leave the house.

I can no longer walk or stand still for more than five to ten minutes at a time. This means I can’t shop for food, do basic household chores, leave the house without help, or live independently. It feels like I’m trapped in a body that’s giving out decades too soon.

Despite trying every option available — physiotherapy, medication, pain management – my doctors have told me spinal fusion surgery is my only real hope of long-term relief and a normal life.

As a result of this condition that I’ve had for many years now (and only officially diagnosed in February of 2024 via X-ray & MRI), I’ve also gained weight, which only worsens the condition and how I feel about myself. I want to lose weight, be healthy, get fit, and take my life back. However, I can’t do that until I can move properly again. Even worse, my spine is continuing to deteriorate, as shown in recent X-rays. If I don’t get this surgery soon, there’s a very real risk I’ll lose the ability to walk altogether.

Why I’m Asking for Help:

Spinal fusion surgery, along with the recovery process, is expensive. The costs of the operation, post surgery rehab, physiotherapy, other medical appointments, medications, and living expenses during recovery are far more than I can afford. Especially as I don’t qualify for disability payments nor am I able to work full-time.

It’s incredibly difficult to ask for help like this. I’ve gone back and forth with feelings of guilt, especially during such a financially difficult time for so many. But I’ve reached a point where I just can’t live like this anymore, and I truly have no other option.

You may be wondering why my family hasn't helped. My family has generously offered to help me financially, and I’m incredibly grateful for their love and support. However, I don’t want them to feel the burden of this. Everyone is doing their best to manage the rising cost of living, and I would feel guilty asking them to stretch themselves even further for me. That’s another reason why I’ve created this fundraiser because I want to give my loved ones peace of mind and take this step on my own, with the help of kind people who are willing and able to support me. Your donation means more than just money. It means hope, independence, and easing the pressure on the people I care about most.

About My Condition:

I’ve been diagnosed with a complex and painful spinal condition involving multiple structural issues in my lower back. The main diagnosis is spondylolisthesis and pars defect. A condition where one of my vertebrae has slipped out of place due to a break in the delicate bones of the spine along with anterolisthesis, which means the vertebra is sliding forward (as oppose to retrolisthesis which is backward) and putting pressure on surrounding nerves.

(x-ray taken June 2024)

(Comparison x-ray January 2025)

There are also other serious complications, including:

  • Bone spurring and joint degeneration in the spine. Aka DJD (Degenerative Joint Disease);
  • A 7x8x10mm lesion (possibly a synovial cyst) that’s pressing into the spinal canal;
  • Moderate spinal canal stenosis — narrowing of the spinal canal;
  • Severe foraminal narrowing, especially on the right side — this is where the nerves exit the spine and it causes constant nerve pain;
  • Disc protrusion that compresses the thecal sac (the protective sheath around the spinal cord); and
  • A transitional vertebra (anatomical variation), making the structure even more unstable.




All of this has led to intense, unrelenting symptoms:

  • Severe nerve pain and burning sensations down my lower back, torso, legs, feet as well as numbness, weakness, pins-and-needles, and hot flash sensations in my skin.
  • Muscle spasms. 
  • Inability to walk or stand for more than a 5-10 minutes at a time without a mobility aid due to pain.
  • Muscle tightness, loss of balance, and stiffness.
  • Constant fatigue from the pain.
  • Difficulty sitting or lying down for long periods due to pressure on nerves and joints.
  • What I can only describe as deep bone chilling aches, almost like having the flu from the waist down.

This isn’t just discomfort, it’s disabling. It affects every part of my daily life, from standing in a queue to trying to sleep at night, inability to lift anything heavy, and even sitting on the toilet. It affects nearly every part of my day.

(MRI showing disk slippage, bone spurring & canal stenosis)

What Will Spinal Fusion Actually Do?

In my case, it will help correct the vertebral slippage (spondylolisthesis), relieve pressure on my compressed nerves, and reduce or stop the pain, numbness, and loss of mobility I live with every day.

It will:

  • Stop the bones from moving abnormally and causing further damage.
  • Relieve pressure on pinched nerves (which cause my pain and leg symptoms).
  • Prevent further deterioration and slippage of my spine.
  • Restore stability; stabilise the vertebrae and secure the area affected by the pars defect.
  • Give me a real chance at rebuilding my health, strength, and independence.

Recovery can take months, but for me, this is the only path forward. Without it, my condition will likely keep getting worse until I lose the ability to walk.

What Your Donation Will Help Cover:

  • Referrals and specialist appointments
  • Surgery costs (hospital, surgeon, anaesthesia and overnight stay);
  • Post-op rehab, medications and physiotherapy;
  • Mobility aids for daily tasks e.g, bed rails, toilet rails, shower chair, and more;
  • Travel to medical appointments; and
  • Living expenses during recovery while I cannot work (rent, food, bills).

Even $5 or a share can make a huge difference. I know cost of living is making things difficult for everyone at the moment, but any support whether financial or just helping spread the word would mean the absolute world to me. Please help me share my story.

My Long Term Goals:

  • I want to be able to stand, walk, and move freely without pain.
  • I want to dance, sing, and perform on stage again.
  • I dream of losing weight, building strength, and feeling confident in my body again.
  • I want to exercise regularly and take charge of my physical health — and be fit.
  • I want to live without relying on others for basic tasks.
  • I just want to live like a 24-year-old should — with freedom, movement, and independence.

Thank you for even taking the time to read this. If you’re able to donate or share, you’re helping! I really appreciate all the support.


FAQ:
Q: Is this condition curable without surgery?
A: Sadly no. I’ve tried every non-surgical option — including physiotherapy, chiropractic therapy, and medications. The major factor in this degenerative condition is the pars defect. Unfortunately, treatments like chiropractics and physiotherapy can’t fix structural bone defects like the pars fracture. Surgery is my last option.

Q: Why aren’t you on disability/NDIS?
A: I’m not currently receiving disability payments, although I have applied. Unfortunately, I’m not eligible. Even if I was on NDIS, it doesn’t cover surgical procedures, hospital stays, or anything that falls under Medicare and the public health system — even if the surgery is related to the disability.

Q: How soon do you need the surgery?
A: As soon as possible. My mobility is worsening, and based on my most recent scans, I risk permanent nerve damage or losing the ability to walk.

Q: Why can’t you wait for public surgery?
A: The public waitlists for spinal surgery in Australia can be extremely long — sometimes over a year. My condition is worsening rapidly, and waiting that long could mean permanent nerve damage or complete loss of mobility. I simply can’t afford to wait that long. Using the private medical process allows me to choose which specialist does the surgery, and when.

Q: How long is recovery after surgery?
A: Recovery can take several months. Most people begin to walk more comfortably within a few weeks, but full healing may take 6–12 months, with physiotherapy and rehab. During this time, I’ll need help with mobility, living costs, and support services.

Q: Are donations tax-deductible?
A: Unfortunately, GoFundMe donations are not tax-deductible, as I’m an individual raising funds for personal medical care — not a registered charity. But every bit goes directly toward my surgery and recovery.

Q: What happens if you don’t reach your goal?
A: Every dollar still helps. Even partial funding can help me pay for private scans, specialist consults, pre-op treatments, and post-op recovery expenses. If I’m able to supplement it with loans or payment plans, I will — but I truly hope to avoid that by reaching my goal here.

Q: Can I help even if I can’t donate?
A: Absolutely. Sharing this fundraiser with friends, family, or social media makes a huge difference or just checking in means the world to me. If you know any local services or grants that could help, I’d love to hear from you too. Every share helps me reach people who might be able to help.

Q: Will you post updates?
A: Yes! I’ll be posting updates throughout this journey — from surgery scheduling to recovery milestones — so you can see the real difference your support is making in my life.

Disclaimer: All funds raised will go directly toward covering my spinal fusion surgery, recovery needs, and essential living expenses during this time. This is a personal fundraiser, and I am not receiving these donations as part of any business, organisation, or income-generating activity.

Thank you so much for your support and kindness.
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    Organisator

    zoe Bloom
    Organisator
    Wolli Creek, NSW

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