A work-related injury years ago, and the spinal fusion surgery necessary to repair the injury left Shane with chronic and often times debilitating back pain. It was a true blessing that after 8 years he was given the opportunity to have a spinal cord stimulator implant placed. The stimulator system would have provided 70%+ pain relief.  

In September 2017 the initial surgery to place the stimulator was completed. Unfortunately,  a week later multiple post-operative spinal infections manifested and resulted in serious nerve damage  causing  lifelong loss-of-function in the right leg. Shane can walk short distances with assistance, but will always require the use of a wheelchair  for anything more than that.  The entire stimulator system was removed and Shane started the long process of finding out what life looks liked with a permanent disability.

He was transferred to Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital so that he could receive the most outstanding care possible, relearning how to walk and figuring out day to day life, he made great strides of improvement towards independence. Since then so many pieces of the puzzle have fell into place and much improvement in the way of quality of life and health have taken place.

Sadly, he woke up on March 16th with what felt like he had been sent back to square one, he is unable to walk. He has been admitted to The University of Washington awaiting another back surgery to alleviate pressure The sheer magnitude of the previous injuries to his spinal cord have taken a huge toll on the rest of his body and without surgery to make further repairs to his back, shoulder, and knee his recovery is at a stand still. 

Financially this has been a tough 18 months for our family. The sheer expense associated with rehabilitating a lifelong injury  is astronomical. Shane's medical expenses every month include a cobra insurance payment of over $850. On top of that he also has out-of-pocket expenses for physical therapy, medication management, massage therapy, mental health counseling and the list goes on. In an average month Shane's medical expenses after insurance exceed $1,200. This doesn't include monthly living expenses like rent, car insurance, groceries or fuel.  

With at least one more surgery coming this year and two more coming in the near future the financial burden has become overwhelming. The funds raised will be used to off set the cost of his out of pocket medical expenses, over the next year will he undergoes these additional surgery which will ultimately improve his quality of life. Anything you are able give will be extremely helpful and appreciated. Thanks in advance we love you all.

Dee