Support for Damo to get back on track

Hi, My name is Gayle,

I am Damon's Mum.

Everybody faced some challenges during the last few years with unprecedented changes to their lives. As a family, we have faced a few, just like many others, including back surgery (me), chronic pain, stress, and mental health issues in the household, to name a few. And I only mention this because I can relate to what Damon is going through right now.

Because I have been through back problems including surgery and chronic pain, I understand Damon's pain, both physically, mentally, and emotionally. Damo also had a late diagnosis of ADHD which has added extra challenges leading up to this.

WHY are we reaching out? Because Damon's ceasing of work was unexpected and sudden, I have done my best to do what I can to support him through this as a (now) sole parent. It has taken a toll financially on the family, and as hard as it was to reach out I believe that connection and community can make healing possible.

His back issues started a few years ago and because he has pushed through, continued on, worked hard and not received the proper treatment, it has gotten worse. Over that time we saw some professionals and we learned that he has a hyper-mobility disorder as well as degeneration, bulging discs, regular neck abnormalities and other spinal issues. He has been working hard on core stability and keeping fit and strong, but this hasn't been enough. He needs more specialised care, and that's where your help will come in.

Hypermobility can cause a range of symptoms that often affect many parts of the body. These symptoms can range from mild to severe and can have a great impact on someone’s life:

-pain in the joints and muscles – particularly towards the end of the day and after

physical activity

-nerve pain

-clicking joints

-back and neck pain

-extreme tiredness, known as fatigue

-poor co-ordination

-some people find it difficult to sense the position of a joint without being able to see it, also known as proprioception

-joint dislocations or partial dislocations

-regular soft tissue injuries – such as sprains and sports injuries

-easy bruising

-stomach pain

-bladder and bowel problems

-dizziness.

He has also suffered injuries to his spine on various occasions, which have been exacerbated by his recent job building corporate stages and pushing through the pain. He was working 13-hour days and driving sometimes 4 hours a day in a car that is too small for his body, which didn't help. He loved this job and was feeling positive and excited about being able to contribute to the household.

Then recently on the job site he got sent to the doctor when his boss and the safety officer on site were concerned about his safety after realizing the severity of the discomfort and pain he was in. Damon was wanting to continue to work and was finding this hard to process. He became fearful that this could be more serious than he thought. He had to cease work immediately to go and get help with the issues.

As a 25yo male who was just starting to feel independent, this has been a major setback. It has taken a toll on his mental & emotional health and well-being. Some days are ok, some are not, it can be an extreme roller coaster ride for him. He realised just recently that he was in denial of how bad it was due to not wanting to be a burden on the family, and fear of losing financial stability. It has been a challenging time for all of us, who are extremely close, and who at times felt like we couldn't do anything to help.

We would be so grateful for any support that would help us get back on track, catch up on some recent medical expenses, pay for the treatment Damon needs, specialist medical appointments, a range of treatments, bills, mental health support, etc. It would also take an enormous amount of pressure off me so that I can keep focusing on my business and my health so that I can be there for others.

Damo will be ever so grateful for the opportunity to heal, get back on track and continue his creative pursuits and express his true talents. In gratitude,

Gayle - Damo's Mum