Let's Get Kevin Back on His Feet

The Nolans have been pretty quiet about how rough the last six months have been for Kevin and the family.  If you know Kevin at all, you know that he's a real Ohio dude.  He prides himself on his work ethic and his ability to take care of his family.  The last thing on earth he'd want to be is a whiner or a burden, which is why many of you may not be aware that Kevin has been battling crippling pain from three herniated discs in his spine.  

Too many of us are familiar with how devastating severe chronic pain can be.  What started as pain that Kevin thought he could "walk off" quickly became all-consuming.  For months, he has essentially been living bent in half, being shuffled from medical professional to medical professional.  While most people would have taken a medical leave to deal with such a severe injury, Kevin has continued to work, usually with no more pain relief beyond what Advil could provide.  

Because Kevin was such a trooper throughout this ordeal, doctors underestimated the severity of his injuries.  He was encouraged to ride out expensive alternative methods to surgery for far too long (physical therapy, multiple failed epidurals, and decompression therapy).  Only when Kevin began to develop foot drop--a sign of permanent nerve damage--did doctors become open to surgical intervention.

But there is good news!  On November 10, Kevin had successful microdiscectomy spinal surgery to remove a 10mm herniation.  It was the largest herniation the surgeon had ever seen (we have a horrifying surgery photo to prove it!).  Although the surgeon promised to return only 65% of Kevin's leg and foot strength if the surgery was successful, it appears that Kevin may recover more fully.  He was told that he wouldn't be able to feel his big toes again, but is getting feeling back in them intermittently.  Recovery has not been easy thus far, and he has a long way to go, but it appears that the worst is behind him.

However, the Nolans will continue to feel the squeeze of this ordeal for months to come.  The quality of Kevin's employer-provided insurance declines year-to-year.  All said, the Nolans have paid out of pocket for Kevin's medical bills in excess of $15,000, primarily for the decompression therapy ($4,000) and the surgery ($10,000).  The financial stress is already impacting Kevin's healing process.  With a fever and all, Kevin even tried working from home the day of the surgery!

Let's do our best to give Kevin and his family the space to recover by helping them out with their exorbitant medical bills.  Anything you can give--no matter how small--will go a long way to relieving the pressure of a very difficult year.  Thank you for helping my dear friends have a happier holiday season.

With love,

Jesse