Hi, everyone. We have honestly never created a GoFundMe before, but due to our circumstances, we are in the position to need assistance.

Our youngest son, Ian, has been diagnosed with severe scoliosis and is requiring a major spinal surgery due to his continuous back pain. He is a wonderful and active 12-year-old that has been dealt a crappy hand, but we—his family—are his backup. He has worn a sleeping back brace since January; however, this did not improve his pain level or slow down the curvature. So he now has a 70° curve, but he was only at a 47° curve at the beginning of the year. He has now been prescribed a daytime brace to give him a little relief at school, but that still will not take his pain away. We have been working with his school to accommodate him wherever possible, but his pain has caused him to miss a number of days from school. So now, homebound care is the next step until his surgery and recovery is complete, so that he doesn't fall behind in his schoolwork.

Ian's surgery is scheduled for November 20th. He will be out of school for 3-4 months afterwards, and will need lots of assistance while at home. He will also need to attend rehab for an undetermined amount of time after the initial 3-4 month recovery period. So, I will be out of work to assist him in his recovery and with his schoolwork. I have spoken with my job and I can take 12 weeks of FMLA family leave to help Ian, but the entire time is unpaid. I am not sure how we will get through with no income from myself for 3-4 months, so that is why we are reaching out for help.

We've never been the kind to ask for help, especially not online or from strangers, but in this instance, we have no choice. So today we are asking for help for our son and our family. Anything donated will be used during the time I am not working to help support Ian.

We don't know how this journey will go, but we want to be as supportive as possible for him. Any assistance during this time would be greatly appreciated. Thank you for your support❤️