Hi, my name is Wes, and I want to share a journey that began in November 2024—one my wife and I hope no one else ever has to experience.

On November 1st, I was rushed by ambulance to a hospital in Portland for emergency back surgery due to a condition called Cauda Equina. I lost feeling from the waist down and was in a tremendous amount of pain. A same day surgery became a week long stay in the hospital. Jen drove back and forth between Portland and home to take care of me, the kids and the animals all while trying to work. I can't help with anything. I cant bend or twist or pick anything up.

While the surgery first went well, and we were hopeful for a smooth recovery, things took a turn just two weeks later. I was transported by ambulance again to the hospital in Portland on November 16th. I began feeling shooting pain and increased amounts of numbness, only to face the same diagnosis again. I had to have a 2nd emergency surgery. This time, I was hospitalized for two weeks. Jen and Atreyu commuted back and forth every day. Things weren't looking good for me for a while but I made it home.

What followed has been a long, painful, and ongoing journey of recovery—one filled with challenges, setbacks, and mounting medical bills.

I took a 3rd ambulance ride in January. Thinking I was heading into emergency surgery number 3. After my 5th or 6th MRI (I've lost count), I spent the night alone in the hospital waiting for results because we didn't have any more money to spare for gas to go back and forth from the hospital and home. It ended up being inflammation in my back causing the numbness to take over, amongst new issues. I was sent home the next evening on new meds and restrictions.

Right now, I am unable to drive or work due to my condition, not to mention I can barely walk. This leaves us to rely solely on my wife’s income. She works for the school district on a teacher assistant salary and has been my biggest source of strength. In addition to navigating this crisis, we have two children who are still living at home and two adult children we try to visit. Balancing their needs alongside mounting bills has become overwhelming, and we’re now at a point where we can no longer manage it alone. She has been looking for a 2nd job in the evenings but hasn't had much luck due to all the appointments I have.

One of the boys had pneumonia in December as well. Thankfully Jen got him treated and feeling better but she sleeps less and less due to stress and life.

We’re asking for your support, whether that’s through a donation or simply sharing our story. Every little bit helps—more than you might realize—and brings us closer to financial relief and the chance to focus fully on my recovery and our family’s well-being.

Your kindness means the world to all of us, and we thank you from the bottom of our hearts for anything you can do to help during this difficult time.