Help Erich Get His Life Back: Urgent Spine Surgery Needed

Hi, my name is Christina, and I’m writing this on behalf of my wonderful boyfriend, Erich.

Erich is 29, and for the past several months he’s been living with constant, debilitating pain from serious damage in his lower spine. What started as back pain in December 2024 has progressed so severely that he’s now unable to work, struggles to walk or sleep, and is mostly confined to his bed. It’s been incredibly hard to watch someone I love lose access to the simple things that make life feel normal. Things like going outside, seeing friends, and even standing long enough to cook a meal have become excruciating.

After months of setbacks just trying to get proper imaging, his MRI and CT scans finally confirmed two severely degenerated discs in his lower back: L5–S1 and L4–L5. The L5–S1 disc has dried out and collapsed so much that it’s now grinding against the surrounding bone, causing painful bone erosion. His most recent MRI shows that the degeneration is worsening. Since March, everything has declined rapidly. He can’t sit, stand, bend, or sleep without pain.

Erich has already spent thousands of dollars out of pocket on physical therapy, nerve studies, epidural injections, medications, and consultations with specialists. Despite following every conservative treatment step recommended by doctors, his insurance has continued to deny the one procedure that spine specialists agree could provide meaningful relief: artificial disc replacement surgery. These denials don’t reflect the reality of his condition or the treatment history he’s endured. And with every month that passes, his need for surgery becomes more urgent.

He recently consulted with one of the top spine surgeons in Los Angeles, who confirmed that surgery is needed and offers his best shot at getting his life back. But insurance has denied both the initial request and the surgeon’s peer-to-peer appeal. This means that Erich would need to pay the full cost of surgery out of pocket. This includes the orthopedic and vascular surgeons’ professional fees, anesthesia, surgical facility costs, and post-operative care. The total estimated cost for one disc is around $40,000. And unfortunately, the second disc will likely need to be addressed later, meaning he’ll have to go through this process again.

I’m asking for help to give Erich a chance at living again. A chance to walk around the block. To stand for more than a few minutes. To laugh without wincing. To sleep. To return to work. To be present in his life again.

If you’re able to contribute, even a small amount would mean the world to us. Your help makes it possible for Erich to access the care, stability and support he needs to get his life back. Every contribution helps cover the many costs that come with healing and getting back on his feet. And if you’re not in a position to give, sharing this campaign still makes a huge difference.

Thank you so much for reading and for caring.

With love,

Christina