I’m reaching out to ask for your help for someone incredibly brave — my friend “B”.

I met B during one of the most difficult seasons of my life, when we were both participating in a clinical trial for severe, treatment-resistant depression. Like many in that program, we had already tried everything — medications, therapy, TMS, ECT — all in the hope of finding some relief from our crippling depression.

The trial involved a highly invasive procedure: a lengthy brain surgery, while awake, to implant a Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) device. This device, powered by a pacemaker implanted in the chest, was designed to send electrical signals to the brain in hopes of improving symptoms.

Sadly, the treatment did not work as hoped and was scrapped. Those photos are of me after my surgery. Three holes in my head and one in my chest. B went through this exact procedure, and it was gruelling. But for B, the outcome has been far worse...

Not only did the device do little to alleviate the terrible depression, it also added pain and burden where it should have given her relief.

B has developed an extremely rare complication called “bowstringing” — a condition where dense scar tissue forms around the wires connecting the device from her chest, up her neck, and into her brain. This scar tissue tightens over time, pulling painfully on the implanted hardware and causing constant, daily pain.

This complication is so rare that: It occurs in only 0.6–2% of cases. It is barely documented in medical literature!! Many neurosurgeons are unfamiliar with how to even properly treat it!

What makes this even more difficult is that simply removing the device is not enough. The scar tissue itself must be surgically released in multiple places to stop the painful “pulling” effect. Without this, the pain can continue even after removal.

B is now facing the challenge of:

What is worse is that B is unable to work due to other medical conditions and tries to survive on just a disability pension. We are hoping to raise $25,000 to help her cover:

This device was meant to help her. To improve the quality of her life. Instead, it has left her with daily pain and navigating an incredibly complex medical situation that very few people — even in the medical field — fully understand.

Despite all of this, B continues to show remarkable strength, determination, and grace. She is still being treated for her overwhelming depression. Courageously, she has agreed to participate in the newest treatment options despite having been let down so badly before.

If you’re able to give, no matter how small, it would mean the world. And if you can’t donate, simply sharing this page can make a huge difference.

Thank you for taking the time to read B’s story and for any support you can offer. She is a remarkable woman, and it breaks my heart to see her have to try to carry this burden all on her own.

Your thoughts and prayers are welcomed.