Hi, my name is Jo. Thank you for taking the time to read my story. I know other stories out there may hit you harder but I hope you will read mine and try to imagine what it is like to live in my shoes every day and that it moves your heart to want to help me.

Okay, so here's my story... In 2019, I suffered a traumatic brain injury (TBI) that severely impaired me and left me unable to do my job. After several years of working towards my dream job as a K9 Handler, and many pitfalls, I finally reached it and then ended up hitting my head during a routine search. For two years I was left unable to work and suffered through an intolerable workers comp system to receive proper care (which to this date I have yet to get). I also have spine damage to my neck and lower back that needs to be addressed; something I had been unaware of until recently. For 4 long years, I attempted to get the WC system to finally pay for me to get the medical care I needed as well as, searching for my remedies out of pocket. If anyone has dealt with the workers' comp system they'd know how difficult the process can be and how upsettingly devastating it leaves many people, especially those with brain injuries. To everyone on the outside, I look normal as though I have no issues. However, I have been significantly injured along with memory loss, cognitive dysfunction, vision issues, panic attacks (for which I have the service dog seen in my photo) and the deep dark depression and anxiety that usually accompanies TBIs and not being able to work and have some purpose in life. Every day has been a groundhog day for me and I have finally had enough. I finally went and sought out help to at least fix my neck and back.

I found a doctor willing to work with me but the costs are all out of pocket. The initial visit I already paid to be able to have my consult and to go over my imaging and history. However, the actual procedure is thousands of dollars. The other kicker to this entire situation is I have to relocate back to the west coast to keep my doctor on my case and that will also be quite an expense. I can't afford both and so I am focusing on my neck and back to get fixed while I continue the hard fight to win my case and receive the brain injury treatment. I am unable to work because of my injuries and my case so I am forced to ask for help from others. Every dollar donated is one less that I will have to charge to credit cards to pay for treatment. For anyone who knows me, I am too proud to ask for help and too proud to accept it, however, if I don't get this spinal surgery I can end up paralyzed. With that also means Ill lose my dog and he has been the only thing giving me a reason to get out of bed each day.

I live in pain every single day, I am unable to carry out many of the activities so many take for granted such as going for a run, working out, doing any sort of movements and lifting that could further injure me. My daily routine has been reduced to waking up, showering, eating, short walks with my dog, watching TV, eating, sleeping and repeat. I have never gone this long without working and earning my own money and living independently. I have been forced to return to my parents to their very small apartment to have my basic needs taken care of for myself. One of the worst parts is I have lost so many friends because I have become so isolated due to the pain and injuries. The loneliness is the absolute worst.

I know with the world in its current state many people may not have a lot of money to help me, or some may even say my situation is not as bad as it could be and well, you're right. I still wake up each day and can walk and talk and breathe. What separates me from others however is the debilitating daily pain I try to hide with medication, vertigo spells that come and go, migraines, oh the migraines....they are the absolute worst and the fact that as each day goes on my spine gets worse, the nerve compression worsens and eventually I will be unable to function. I am so desperate to get this procedure completed to finally have a chance at living a normal life again and to be able to take one thing off my shoulders. I wake up every day and cry. I go to bed every night and cry. I have dreams about my life before and after my injury and I wake up in cold sweats with that sinking feeling in my gut. I have numbness and weakness in my left leg and foot and now it's started in my left arm, hand and right arm and hand. I am genuinely terrified and feel hopeless most days. I would not wish this on anyone, not even those who have wished me harm. There is so much more I could write here but I don't want to make this too long. To try and sum this up the best I can, I need help. I want my life back and to start to get there I desperately need this surgical procedure. I know my ask is high (at least I think it is) but it's barely scratching the surface of what the total cost will probably end up being. If I could have worked to pay this off I would rather have done that than ask people for their hard-earned money. But here I am, putting myself out there, risking rejection and defeat and humiliation. It is not an easy thing to do, asking others for help. Especially financial help. Please don't think less of me for doing so. I also ask for prayers. I am open to whatever help I can receive and I believe prayer does go a long way.

One thing I have decided to do as well is once I raise enough to put towards the surgery I plan on doing an inventory for anyone who would like to see where their money went in order to know it has gone directly to my procedure. Once I pay the bill I will be happy to send it to each of you. If you are donating to me through a connection of mine please make sure to get to me your information. I also believe if you have a business you can use this donation as a tax write-off. Thank you again to those of you who read this and are willing to help. I do truly appreciate it from the bottom of my heart. God bless and again, thank you.