Hi, my name is Jamison. I’m a proud dad to two beautiful daughters, a drummer in a reggae band, and someone who loves disc golfing, playing music, and being outdoors.

For the past 18 years, I’ve lived with chronic back pain. Over time, the flare-ups have become more and more debilitating — until the most recent one finally brought me to my knees (literally).

It happened this past spring at work. I bent down to finish a task before lunch, and when I tried to stand, I couldn’t straighten up all the way. The pain was so intense I knew something serious had changed.

After years of managing through medication, chiropractic visits, and massages, I learned that I have degenerative disc disease and arthritis buildup on my L5 & S1 vertebrae. The disc between them has nearly disintegrated, leaving very little cushioning. What’s left has herniated and is pressing directly into my sciatic nerve, causing severe pain.

After many medical appointments and scans, I’ve made the difficult but necessary decision to have back surgery. On October 15th — just three days after my birthday — I’ll be undergoing a laminectomy/discectomy to remove the herniated portion of the disc and grind away the arthritic buildup. The goal is to decompress the nerve and finally get some relief after nearly two decades of pain.

My doctors have told me I’ll be out of work for at least three months while I recover. Unfortunately, I don’t have access to short-term disability, which means this time off will come with a significant decrease in income. Between rent, bills, medical expenses, and the holidays fast approaching, this is an incredibly tough time to stay afloat.

I’m not someone who likes to ask for help — but this is one of those moments where I have to. Any amount, big or small, will make a difference in helping me recover, keep up with bills, and make sure my daughters and I can get through this chapter with stability and hope.

Thank you so much for taking the time to read my story, share it, and support me however you can. It truly means the world.