Hello, my name is Arianne Advocate. I am reaching out in support of my brother, Zachary Advocate, his wife Vanessa and his beautiful two children. My Brother, age 39, found out that he needs urgent, spinal surgery. This is due to two fractures that did not heal correctly. This condition allows the vertebra to move which is compressing nerve roots and destroying a disc. This is called mobile spondylolisthesis at the L5-S1 level. The MRI also showed degenerative disc disease and lateral recess stenosis and neuroforaminal stenosis.

This is causing, at times, debilitating, back pain, leg and foot pain and numbness and tingling in legs and feet. He has already been unable to work because of severe pain, which is caused financial hardship on the family. Fortunately, they scheduled a surgery quickly and he will have surgery on 10/25/24. We are extremely relieved that after after many years of pain he has finally received a diagnosis and is having surgery, but his recovery will be intensive and long. It will be three months until he can resume light household activities. And six months to one year (hopefully) for a full recovery. Unfortunately, his work requires the use of his body and he will not be able to work for at least six months. We are looking for any support possible while he and his family are going through this extremely challenging time.