Restoring Hope for a Veteran in Need

Hello,

My name is Joan Burgess, and I am reaching out on behalf of my son, Todd Burgess. Todd is a Disabled Navy Veteran who really enjoys life and family. He is a highly active person who enjoys mountain biking, motorcycles, surfing, paddle boarding, scuba diving and fishing just to name a few. He would always go out his way to help someone in need. His life changed a few weeks ago when Todd started experiencing severe pain in his left calf, making it difficult for him to stand or walk. After 2 weeks, it became extremely unbearable, leading him to seek help at the emergency room.

At the hospital, testing was performed with negative results, and he was sent home with antibiotics and pain medication. The next day he returned to the emergency room because of unbearable pain and the inability to walk or stand. Some new tests were ordered, but still, no clear cause was identified.

Todd was then admitted to the hospital, where the doctors ordered more tests revealing a problem in the spine and was informed he needed immediate surgery. The issue found was a problem connected to a career ending injury sustained in the Navy.

The type of surgery that was needed could not be performed at the hospital because they did not have the proper Neurosurgery Dept. He was transported by ambulance to another facility where surgery was performed. He spent 18 days in the hospital and is now completing therapy. The recovery process will take a minimum of six months, and it is unknown what limitations he will face in the future as a result of this surgery.

Todd would always give 100% at work and really loved his career. Unfortunately, due to this surgery he no longer has employment.

Todd faces many challenges ahead, physically, financially, and emotionally. Our thoughts and prayers are with him and any assistance is greatly appreciated.

His father and I are doing our best to support him even though we are retired, live on a fixed income, and reside in another state. Any assistance for our son would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

Best regards,

Joan Burgess