My name is Wes Westbrook. I’m 44 years old, and the last few months have been the most painful, humbling, and testing time of my life.

It started November 1st, 2024. I was rushed to the hospital by ambulance for emergency back surgery. The diagnosis was Cauda Equina Syndrome—a rare and serious condition that left me numb from the waist down. What was supposed to be a simple surgery turned into a week-long hospital stay and the beginning of a nightmare.

Just two weeks later, I was back in the ambulance. Same symptoms. Same fear. Second emergency surgery. This time, I was in the hospital for another two weeks. I was weak, scared, and unsure if I’d walk right again. My life went from active and independent to needing help just to stand up.

I barely had time to recover before January hit, and I was rushed to the ER again—fearing a third back surgery. After more MRIs, they found inflammation pushing against my nerves, creating new numbness and pain. They sent me home with more meds and new restrictions. And just when I thought maybe things would settle…

February brought hernia surgery. Another blow. Another recovery. Another stretch of sleepless nights, doctor visits, pain, and bills.

Right now, I’m not able to work. I can’t drive. I can barely walk. I’ve lost the ability to provide for myself, and that feeling alone is crushing. I’ve applied for disability, but that’s a long process. The bills don’t wait.

I’m trying to hold on. To stay hopeful. To focus on healing. But I’m not going to lie—it’s hard. Some days, I feel like the world forgot about me.

This fundraiser is my lifeline. I need help with basic things: transportation to medical appointments, groceries, gas, and keeping a roof over my head while I recover and fight to get back on my feet.

If you’ve ever been knocked down hard and just needed someone to reach out a hand—that’s me right now. If you can donate, I’m grateful. If all you can do is share this, I’m thankful for that too. If you pray, I’ll take every single one.

I’m not giving up. I’ve still got a lot of fight left in me. Just need some help standing long enough to swing back.

—Wes