Life-Changing Surgery Needed for a Devoted Father & Husband

Hi, my name is Clarissa, and I’m reaching out with the most difficult ask I’ve ever had to make.

My husband, Garrett, is the most hardworking, loyal, and loving person I’ve ever known. We met when we were just 14, and he was already working to support himself. By 18, he had his own apartment and paid all his own bills. When he found his passion as a wind technician at 24, it felt like everything clicked. He was incredible at it—smart, dedicated, and deeply passionate about renewable energy. His job allowed me to stay home with our growing family, and we were living our dream.

Then everything changed.

Around the time we were expecting our third child, Garrett began to experience severe back pain. Over time, it became debilitating. In 2022, he underwent an experimental spinal surgery called BalancedBack (Motus), which involved the complete removal of his L5S1 vertebrae and disc. It helped for a while—but his condition has rapidly deteriorated. His L4L5 is now so damaged that even doctors react in shock to his imaging. The jagged spurs on his spine are cutting into nerves, and Garrett can no longer stand, sit, or walk without excruciating pain. He’s fallen multiple times. He’s lost the ability to play with our kids. Most days, he can’t even get out of bed. Garrett, the man who once hiked mountains, repaired wind turbines hundreds of feet in the air, and chased his kids around the backyard, is now trapped in his own body.

We’ve explored all options. Traditional spinal fusion likely won’t help him and might make things worse. But there is one glimmer of hope—the TOPS device. This implant could restore his ability to walk, give him back his life, and give our kids their dad back. But it comes at a staggering cost: $77,500, and insurance won’t cover it.

We are doing everything we can—trying to secure a loan, exploring assistance programs—but we’re still far from being able to afford it. Our three children, ages 10, 7, and 4, miss their dad. They miss hiking with him. They miss exploring with him. They just want their dad back. And I want my partner back—not just in body, but in spirit.

We are humbly asking for help. Whether it’s $5 or $50, or just sharing this page with someone who might help, we are deeply grateful for every bit of support. All funds will go directly to Garrett’s surgery and recovery expenses. If you know someone who has battled chronic pain, you know how deeply it affects the whole family.

We believe in Garrett. We believe he can come back from this. We just need help to get there.

Thank you from the bottom of our hearts.

—Clarissa & Family