Help Rodney Overcome Spinal Surgery

Wheels. We use them every day, everywhere we go: bicycles, suitcases, shopping carts, and most obviously, the wheels on a car. They let us transport things and people, making our lives easier. They give us time. They give us freedom. Without wheels, life as we know it would be dramatically different.

That has been Rodney’s experience. One of his doctors told Rodney that if his body is a car, then he has four flat tires. Rodney has four discs in his spine that are severely damaged. Thankfully, we have met with a spine specialist who can bring tremendous relief and healing to Rodney through a minimally invasive procedure.

My name is Caleb Lacson. Rodney is my uncle. I have seen firsthand how he has touched people’s lives, including my own. I have also seen firsthand the terrible pain that wracks his body on a daily basis. Rodney's body has experienced severe pain and stress for many years, and he is reaching a breaking point. In recent weeks and months, this pain has only worsened.

Much of this pain is attributed to injuries Rodney suffered overseas. While the list of injuries is extensive, many of which still flare up and cause problems today, the main cause of Rodney’s pain is the four damaged discs in his spine. Doctors and specialists alike are consistently awestruck and dumbfounded at Rodney’s condition. A single damaged disc is excruciating, not to mention four. They struggle to understand how he has survived these injuries, let alone how he continues to deal with the pain.

However, Rodney’s pain still persists and now worsens. The surgeon Rodney is scheduled with, is a highly experienced and accredited spine specialist who has conducted successful surgeries globally. He offers a proven procedure that will restore Rodney’s spine. We were surprised to learn that this highly specialized doctor has offices not only all around the world, but also in the city where we live.

Rodney’s four damaged spinal discs have tears that are actively leaking inner jelly onto the spinal nerve root, causing chemical inflammation and immense pain. All four discs are also herniated. The procedure that would fix this is essentially a minimally invasive alternative to spinal fusion, utilizing nanotechnology and other FDA-approved substances to seal the torn discs, repair the inflammation, and not only regenerate deteriorated disc tissue, but strengthen it as well.

Rodney’s body has deteriorated so much. His vital signs have been very abnormal, his vision is blurry, and the pain only continues to worsen, often leaving him bedridden.

Because of the highly specialized nature of both Rodney’s condition and the procedure, insurance will not cover the medical expenses. After many years of surgeries and procedures, we have accumulated many other medical expenses. As such, we do not have any other option but to turn to our family, friends, and community for support at this difficult and dire time.

Rodney cannot continue going on like this, it is of paramount urgency that he goes through with this procedure. He has already undergone far beyond what the human body should be allowed to endure. He needs this procedure to move away from a dwindling life of pain, and to return to a life among the living.

If you know anything about Rodney, he has an unbelievably high work ethic. He has helped people groups all around the world, and has been involved in a variety of philanthropic endeavors. He gives everything he has, sacrificing his time, his body, and his life to help those in need. Even at this pivotal moment, despite excruciating suffering, Rodney longs to live only so that he may once more help those in need. Of course, at the young age of 53, Rodney also longs to support his family, and alongside his wife Cara, watch their 5-year-old twin daughters grow up.

The amount needed for the procedure is $44,200. GoFundMe deducts 2.9% from the money raised, as well as $0.30 per individual donation. This means we need to raise $45,482 to at least cover the 2.9% transaction fee. The funds need to be paid no later than 3 business days prior to May 30th. Because of Memorial Day being a bank holiday, we need to secure funding by Friday, May 24th.

We are grateful for your support and care during this time. Emotions are high, and the need is great. If you would please consider sharing this story and campaign with your friends and communities to help spread the word, we will be wholeheartedly thankful. Any amount is welcome.

Thank you from the bottom of our hearts.

With much love,

The Lacson Family

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This campaign is seeking funds from family and friends of the Lacson Family.