Hi there! My name is Dino Kozidis. Though I have dealt with back pain since my teens, beginning in January of 2025 the pain became increasingly difficult to manage and began radiating down my left leg. From that point forward, my life changed in ways I never could have anticipated.

What began as severe lower back and leg pain quickly turned into a long, exhausting medical journey. After months of “hoop-jumping” just to obtain MRI authorization, I was eventually diagnosed with a serious L4–L5 spinal issue along with levoscoliosis. These conditions caused debilitating pain, nerve symptoms, and significant limitations in my ability to work and function day to day. Simple tasks—standing, sitting, walking, or sleeping—became unpredictable and painful. Despite doing everything I could to manage the condition conservatively, it continued to worsen.

After a steroid spinal epidural and months of imaging, appointments, and setbacks, I underwent spinal surgery (a laminectomy) in August of 2025 in an attempt to relieve pressure on my nerves and regain some quality of life and normalcy.

While the surgery was necessary, recovery was slow and complicated. I had to avoid many basic movements and rely heavily on ongoing medical care, physical rehabilitation, and frequent follow-ups.

Unfortunately, less than two months later, I required a revision surgery. What followed was a three-week ordeal that tested me physically, mentally, and emotionally. On October 8, 2025, the revision surgery resulted in a puncture of the dura mater and a spinal fluid leak. I was placed on flat bed rest for ten days. A second procedure was then required to ensure the leak had resolved.

Soon after, I developed a serious MSSA infection (similar to MRSA) at the incision site, which required yet another surgery and debridement of the infected area. After all of this—including six weeks of at-home care and a 24-hour PICC-line IV—the infection persists to this day in the form of discitis and osteomyelitis of the L4 and L5 vertebrae, along with bone erosion in the area.

I was finally released on October 27, 2025, and continue to deal with ongoing pain, extremely limited mobility, repeated imaging, and the possibility of additional surgeries.

Because my employer does not pay into Social Security, I do not qualify for traditional disability benefits, and my initial SSI application was denied. I continue to apply for assistance, including a scheduled phone interview on January 16, 2026.

Despite being consistently employed in education, I have fallen into a gap where support is extremely limited, and I have exhausted the options available through my employer. Medical bills, prescriptions, transportation costs, rent, and basic living expenses have continued to add up while my ability to earn income has been significantly reduced. The physical pain has been real—but so has the emotional and financial strain.

As difficult as this is for me, asking for help is not something I take lightly. I have always worked hard, pushed through adversity, and taken pride in being self-reliant. This journey has taught me that sometimes strength also means asking for support.

Any donation—no matter the size—will go directly toward medical expenses, rent, recovery costs, and essential living needs as I continue healing and fighting to rebuild my life.

If you are unable to donate, I completely understand. Sharing this page or keeping me in your thoughts truly means more than you know. Thank you for taking the time to read my story and for any support you are able to offer. It genuinely makes a difference.