On the evening of Wednesday, July 23rd, my life changed in a flash.

While carrying my dog, Abel, I fell down an entire flight of stairs in our home. I don’t remember the fall. The next thing I knew, I was waking up in the hospital. My partner, Kyle, found me and Abel at the bottom of the stairs, confused on the kitchen floor. It’s a moment that haunts us both.

I was rushed to the hospital with a deep laceration above my eye, a broken orbital bone, fractured sinus, and a shattered wrist. I also broke several teeth during the fall, which now require extensive dental work in the coming weeks.

After spending three days in the hospital, I underwent an intense surgery on my wrist. The break was so severe that doctors had to perform a bone graft using my femur and permanently fuse a rod into my wrist. This means I will never regain full movement or bend my wrist again.

This news was more than just physically devastating—it was emotionally crushing.

I’m a self-employed hairstylist, and working with my hands isn’t just my livelihood—it’s my passion. I’ve spent years building a beautiful community through my salon chair, helping others feel confident and cared for. Hearing that I might never work the same way again has been terrifying, but I know I will be behind the chair again someday!

Because I’m self-employed, I don’t qualify for unemployment or disability. I’ve worked hard to support myself, but now I find myself in a position I never expected: out of work for the next 8+ weeks with no income, rising medical bills, and now unexpected dental expenses as well. Recovery will require weeks of PT and OT, but I know it’s all temporary and I will be back to feeling “me” soon enough.

I don’t like to ask for help. But I’ve come to learn that sometimes strength looks like reaching out and letting others hold you up.

If you feel moved to support me in any way, every dollar will go directly toward covering medical expenses, dental procedures, basic living costs, and keeping my household afloat while I recover. Your kindness will give me the time to heal, process, and figure out how to move forward in this next chapter of life—physically, emotionally, and professionally.

Despite everything, I’m choosing to stay hopeful. I know I’ll get through this with love, support, and a whole lot of determination.

From the bottom of my heart—thank you for reading, for caring, and for helping.

With gratitude,

Tyler