Our son, Steve Sinclair, suffers from severe degenerative disc disease and lives in constant, excruciating pain. Steve cannot tolerate the pain he experiences while sitting down, so he must always either stand or lie down, keeping him on his feet for the entirety of his long workdays and limiting his ability to move far from home.

To date, Steve has not been able to get adequate pain relief or functional improvement through any medication or treatments offered anywhere in Canada, as confirmed by several medical professionals, including Surgeons.

Steve underwent spinal surgery in Toronto in February 2023, but it was not successful. Simply put, Steve is out of options in Canada. Steve’s only remaining option is to travel to Europe where they perform leading-edge orthopedic surgeries, using the most advanced disc replacement technologies (LP-ESP). This procedure would be to replace 2 of Steve's discs: L4-L5 and L5-S1.

After exhaustive, thorough research and reference checks, Steve has selected a surgeon in France, who is recognized as one of the best in the world, to perform this procedure. The total cost is expected to be just over CA$ 50,000. This cost is also the lowest of all the quotes, with others exceeding $80,000.

The cost of the procedure alone is substantial, but Steve will also need some time off work to recover, during which his income will take a significant hit. We, Steve’s family, are committed to reducing his financial burden through various means. One step is the launch of this GoFundMe Campaign, with a target of 50% of his expected medical-related costs, $25,000.

Steve’s surgery is confirmed and scheduled for the first week of June 2024, and while he is counting down the days to pain relief, he is also counting down the days to the birth of his first baby. Steve and his wife Alyssa are expecting a baby girl at the end of April. Although it will be difficult for both of them to have Steve away shortly after the birth, it also feels like the only way for Steve to be able to be the active parent he wants to be.

Steve’s upcoming flight to France is going to be an exceptionally painful experience, even with the help of medications. Thankfully Steve’s Dad, Dan, will be travelling alongside Steve and supporting him pre/post-surgery, all at his own cost.

If you have it in your heart, plus the financial ability, our family would deeply appreciate any contribution, no matter how small. Your donation would be a large step towards Steve’s return to a pain-free life.

Please share Steve’s story and GoFundMe request across your sphere of influence by sharing through social media, email or just by telling others you believe could be interested in helping.

Summary of key info:

• Travel to/from France: June 2-17, 2024 (pre-op, surgery, post op)

• Date of Surgery: June 7th, 2024

• Hospital: Hôpitaux Universitaires de Marseille

• Total cost: CA$ 50,000

• GoFundMe target: CA$ 25,000

Above all, as a family we covet your prayers as Steve goes through major invasive surgery to replace the two severely damaged discs with LP-ESP lumbar prosthesis. (See video below.)

If you have questions or want to know more, please just reach out to us. We'll also post updates throughout this journey.

Thank You & God bless you.

Dan & Chris Sinclair