Support Woody Smith's Medical Recovery

Hi everyone, I'm Eric Owens. I'm starting this GoFundMe to support our friend Woody Smith, who is in the midst of a trying season in life. His health issues are numerous, and he is currently unable to work.

We all love Woody, and he has been a dear friend, colleague, and ministry partner for many of us for decades. He needs our help now. I'm asking each of you who see this to give to help him pay for his accumulating medical bills until he is back to full health.

With our help, he will emerge from this fully recovered, with a renewed enthusiasm for life and able to get back to a full-time work schedule. Join me in giving back to Woody a portion of what he has given to all of us. Please also spread the word through forwarding this fundraiser and adding it to your social media channels.

Woody's story:

In July 2022, I was diagnosed with Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS), a chronic and debilitating condition that has significantly impacted my daily life and well-being. The CRPS came as a result of surgery for an injury I received in June 2021. In addition to managing CRPS, I am facing a series of urgent medical procedures. Each is important on their own, but their overall impact on my Central Nervous System (CNS) is monumental.

Right now, my immediate needs are elbow and sinus surgeries, as well as CRPS treatments. In 5-6 months, I will also need extensive facial reconstruction due to multiple skin cancer surgeries. I am still in the process of meeting with plastic surgeons to determine the full cost.

I will update this fundraiser as I get official quotes, but every donation now helps me cover the medical expenses I urgently need while also preparing for what’s coming.

Medical Background:

Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS): CRPS can be defined or described in many ways. But here I will share the two most important aspects of it that brought me to the point of being willing to do crowdfunding. CRPS is the most painful condition known to modern medicine. And it is incurable. In March of last year I had an electronic device (DRG Stimulator) implanted in my back, and connected to nerves in my spine, to better manage the pain. Another component of CRPS is that the long-term chronic pain it has caused me, has fried my CNS. While the damage can be repaired, it will take expensive treatments, most of which are not covered by insurance. One of the most effective treatments is ketamine IV infusion therapy which is known to help break the cycle of pain my CNS is stuck in. Getting this treatment is essential to my being able to get back to work.

Elbow Surgery: I am scheduled to undergo denervation surgery for my left elbow on April 2nd to address severe pain and functional limitations. The surgery essentially removes the nerves that are sending signals to my brain and causing severe pain.

Sinus Surgery: Following the elbow surgery, I will need sinus surgery to correct a deviated septum and reduce swollen turbinates. This procedure is anticipated to take place approximately three months after the elbow surgery and will improve my ability to breath and sleep, resulting in better overall health and healing.

Facial Reconstruction Surgeries: Ongoing monthly procedures can begin 2-3 months after the sinus surgery.

*Note: Due to my CRPS, the day prior to any surgery will require a nerve block. These are given under general anesthesia. They cost almost the same price as any surgery itself and are necessary to prevent my CRPS from flaring up and/or spreading.

Treatment Plan and Financial Needs:

Elbow Surgery: April 2nd

Estimated Cost: $2,500

Sinus Surgery: Approximately three months post-elbow surgery

Estimated Cost: $2,100

Ketamine Infusion Therapy for CRPS: $27,000

Initial Phase: 6 infusions over a 2-week period

Maintenance Phase: 1 infusion per month

Cost per Infusion: $1,500

Medical Bills Due: $9,500

Insurance Premiums (COBRA): $14,400

COBRA is required to cover my specialists

Insurance Deductible/Copays/Out-of-Pocket for Upcoming 12 Months:

$8,750

Total Estimated Costs: $64,250 for Upcoming 12 Months

Why Your Support Matters: The combined financial burden of these medical procedures and treatments is overwhelming, and unfortunately, some of these essential treatments, like ketamine infusions, are not covered by insurance. Your generous contributions will directly assist in covering medical expenses, allowing me to focus on recovery, improving my quality of life, and getting back to work.