Helping a Friend Reclaim His Life After Devastating Injuries

I'm organizing this fundraiser for a close friend who’s been fighting a brutal battle — not just with his health, but with the crushing weight of trying to survive it alone.

He’s 62 years old and has no family to lean on. Over the past year, his body has broken down in ways no one should have to endure without support.

He underwent two full hip replacements in just six months. Before surgery, the pain was unbearable — he could barely walk 20 steps without stopping to rest on his cane. Everyday tasks like driving, getting groceries, or even using the bathroom became exhausting and painful.

Then, while recovering from the first hip surgery, he suffered a devastating fall that fractured a disc in his lower back (L2–L5), crushing nerves and unleashing constant, burning pain down both legs. Sitting hurts. Standing hurts. Lying down hurts. He’s been told spinal surgery is now urgent — and it’s the only path to real recovery.

He’s worked hard his entire life. Asking for help isn’t in his nature. But this isn’t about pride anymore — it’s about survival.

I’ve been helping him however I can — rides, research, paperwork, meals — but the needs are bigger than I can meet alone. That’s why I’m asking for your help.

Your support will directly cover:

• Spinal surgery out-of-pocket costs – $11,000 (insurance gaps, deductibles, rehab)
• 6 months of safe housing & utilities – $7,000 (so he can heal without fear of the street)
• Car payments & insurance catch-up – $1,200 (to keep transportation for doctor visits)
• Medical bills & prescriptions – $2,500 (pain meds, follow-ups)
• No extras. No vacations. Just the basics to survive and recover.

What your donation means:

• $10 = 1 week of pain meds
• $25 = 3 days of groceries
• $100 = 1 physical therapy session
• $1,100 = 1 month of rent