Support David Husted's Medical Journey

My name is David Salazar and I'm raising funds for my friend, David Husted, and his family.

I met Dave in 2018, when we worked together at the Wyoming Cowboy Challenge Academy. He has always been a dependable employee, dedicated husband and father and all-around stand-up guy.

Dave attended Torrington High School and honorably served in the Wyoming National Guard for 17 years before being medically discharged. After years of grappling with severe headaches, abdominal pain and debilitating chronic nerve pain, he was diagnosed with the following conditions in January 2025:

- Significant nerve damage to the C5, C6 and C7 vertebrae

- Polymyalgia rheumatica, which, according to the Mayo Clinic, is an inflammatory disorder that causes muscle pain and stiffness, especially in the shoulders and hips. Signs and symptoms of polymyalgia rheumatica usually begin quickly and are worse in the morning.

Most people who develop polymyalgia rheumatica are older than 65. It rarely affects people under 50.

This condition is related to another inflammatory condition called giant cell arteritis. Giant cell arteritis can cause headaches, vision difficulties, jaw pain and scalp tenderness. It's possible to have both conditions at the same time.

The signs and symptoms of polymyalgia rheumatica usually occur on both sides of the body and might include:

Aches or pain in your shoulders

Aches or pain in your neck, upper arms, buttocks, hips or thighs

Stiffness in affected areas, particularly in the morning or after being inactive for a time. Limited range of motion in affected areas. Pain or stiffness in your wrists, elbows or knees. You might also have more-general signs and symptoms, including:

Mild fever

Fatigue

A general feeling of not being well (malaise)

Loss of appetite

Unintended weight loss

Depression

Symptoms of polymyalgia rheumatica can greatly affect your ability to perform everyday activities, such as:

Getting out of bed, standing up from a chair or getting out of a car, combing your hair or bathing and getting dressed.

These difficulties can affect your health, social interactions, physical activity, sleep and general well-being.

David and his wife, Christi, have three daughters and reside in Torrington, Wyoming.

David has not been physically able to work since April 2024. In December, Christi had a medically necessary surgery and could not work for one month while she recovered. It's been hard for many of us who are working, I can't even begin to imagine what his family has gone through because he can't.

Proceeds from this GoFundMe effort will help them offset their monthly bills, including their mortgage, car payments, insurance, utilities and other necessary expenses. David continues to undergo medical treatment for his rare condition and has applied for disability benefits through both the State of Wyoming and the Department of Veterans Affairs.

These proceeds will help he and his family keep their home and stay afloat until a decision is reached regarding his status, which could take up to one year.

David never told me an amount that he needs to stay afloat, because he's just not that kind of person. He would think this is too much, but knowing him, it's probably not enough. He's always willing to give everyone the shirt off his back but has a very hard time asking for help when he very much needs it.

Anything you can contribute would help his cause.