David's Surgery Expenses
Donation protected
November 8, 1989. The day I was born. My parents were made aware of my condition having achondroplasia dwarfism prior to birth and never once contemplated aborting me. My mother decided that I would be just like everyone else. Both of my parents instilled in me at a young age, that God created me like I am for a reason and doesn't make mistakes. Taking this attitude with me for the rest of my life, I have never let my difference hinder me from achieving anything.
Sports have always been a part of my life. I grew up watching and playing anything I could. I played baseball every year until I was in the 9th grade. I played basketball every year until I was in the 6th grade. I played football my first two years of high school. Once I couldn't play anymore, I did the next best thing that people do who want to stick around the sports they love, I became a manager. I was a manager for football and basketball manager in high school. As my high school years went on, basketball came to the forefront. I was blessed to have the opportunity to continue in basketball at the college level at Anderson University (SC).
It was here that my passion for coaching was really kindled. I realized that the Lord gave me a passion for coaching. I loved the game and I loved getting to have an impact on athletes. I learned, studied, asked questions, worked camps, and anything I could to become a better coach. My goal is to become a coach at the college level. Recently, I have been blessed to have accepted a coaching position at Hargrave Military Academy. This is a great opportunity for me and I look forward to being a part of the program under Coach AW Hamilton.
I have been blessed, being a dwarf, to have never had any major medical issues growing up. It is not uncommon for people with dwarfism to have complications growing up. As I said, I played sports growing up and even into college through intramurals. Within the last couple years, it has gotten more difficult for me to get around and complete regular activities. It started out with me not being able to run. Eventually it caused me to have trouble walking to now I can't walk without holding on to a wall or someone's arm. I realized I needed to get this fixed or eventually I would be confined to a wheelchair and perhaps affect my dream of becoming a coach.
I have a condition called spinal stenosis of the lumbar vertebrae. The area around my spinal column has constricted the nerves that affect my legs to the point of there is a lack of communication between nerves and legs. This constriction of the nerves has caused my legs not to function properly. This is fixed by a procedure called a bilateral laminectomy or a decompression. What happens is, the doctor goes in around the vertabrae and carves some space for the nerves to be able to function properly as they should.
Obviously having any surgery is costly and I currently have no insurance. This led me to creating this account and asking for help. I believe I have the best group of friends and support and need your help. First off, I would greatly value your prayers. Second, I have listed below the current costs that I have knowledge of. I currently only have the amounts for the doctor and a portion of the hospital fee. I am still waiting on the fee from the anesthesiologist. It is my objective to trust the Lord to provide to have this surgery. I am grateful for any help and any amount you can give towards this cause. I also would appreciate you sharing this with anybody you know. The more people involved, the quicker we can achieve our goal. There is no amount too small. Having this surgery will not only allow me to get back on the court towards achieving my goal but allow me to get back to performing routine activities such as walking without assistance, standing longer than a few minutes, and running. All things that will allow me to live normal life. Again, I want to thank you for helping me reach this goal and for your contributions.
My main prayer is that God would get the glory out of this. I am holding Him to the promise that He doesn't make mistakes and can use my story to make His name famous.
"A coach will impact more people in one year than the average person will in an entire lifetime."-Billy Graham
"For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother's womb. I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well."-Psalm 139:13-14
To God be glory!
David Bentley
Sports have always been a part of my life. I grew up watching and playing anything I could. I played baseball every year until I was in the 9th grade. I played basketball every year until I was in the 6th grade. I played football my first two years of high school. Once I couldn't play anymore, I did the next best thing that people do who want to stick around the sports they love, I became a manager. I was a manager for football and basketball manager in high school. As my high school years went on, basketball came to the forefront. I was blessed to have the opportunity to continue in basketball at the college level at Anderson University (SC).
It was here that my passion for coaching was really kindled. I realized that the Lord gave me a passion for coaching. I loved the game and I loved getting to have an impact on athletes. I learned, studied, asked questions, worked camps, and anything I could to become a better coach. My goal is to become a coach at the college level. Recently, I have been blessed to have accepted a coaching position at Hargrave Military Academy. This is a great opportunity for me and I look forward to being a part of the program under Coach AW Hamilton.
I have been blessed, being a dwarf, to have never had any major medical issues growing up. It is not uncommon for people with dwarfism to have complications growing up. As I said, I played sports growing up and even into college through intramurals. Within the last couple years, it has gotten more difficult for me to get around and complete regular activities. It started out with me not being able to run. Eventually it caused me to have trouble walking to now I can't walk without holding on to a wall or someone's arm. I realized I needed to get this fixed or eventually I would be confined to a wheelchair and perhaps affect my dream of becoming a coach.
I have a condition called spinal stenosis of the lumbar vertebrae. The area around my spinal column has constricted the nerves that affect my legs to the point of there is a lack of communication between nerves and legs. This constriction of the nerves has caused my legs not to function properly. This is fixed by a procedure called a bilateral laminectomy or a decompression. What happens is, the doctor goes in around the vertabrae and carves some space for the nerves to be able to function properly as they should.
Obviously having any surgery is costly and I currently have no insurance. This led me to creating this account and asking for help. I believe I have the best group of friends and support and need your help. First off, I would greatly value your prayers. Second, I have listed below the current costs that I have knowledge of. I currently only have the amounts for the doctor and a portion of the hospital fee. I am still waiting on the fee from the anesthesiologist. It is my objective to trust the Lord to provide to have this surgery. I am grateful for any help and any amount you can give towards this cause. I also would appreciate you sharing this with anybody you know. The more people involved, the quicker we can achieve our goal. There is no amount too small. Having this surgery will not only allow me to get back on the court towards achieving my goal but allow me to get back to performing routine activities such as walking without assistance, standing longer than a few minutes, and running. All things that will allow me to live normal life. Again, I want to thank you for helping me reach this goal and for your contributions.
My main prayer is that God would get the glory out of this. I am holding Him to the promise that He doesn't make mistakes and can use my story to make His name famous.
"A coach will impact more people in one year than the average person will in an entire lifetime."-Billy Graham
"For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother's womb. I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well."-Psalm 139:13-14
To God be glory!
David Bentley
Organizer
David Bentley
Organizer
Greer, SC
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