Help Derek Willman Get Back Surgery
Donation protected
What’s going on?
Late last year, Derek sustained an injury and herniated disc’s L4/5. He does not have insurance and has been paying for all medical appointments and expenses. Currently he’s spent over $5000 out of pocket. This includes: chiropractic, massage therapy, cortisone shots (2 shots at $1000 a piece!!) and physical therapy. It’s been a huge financial burden on Derek. And unfortunately, the burden continues, as the only solution is surgery.
Derek has found a surgeon who can do the surgery for $20,000. Derek will need $10,000 as a down payment and then the surgery can be scheduled. The surgeon will shave off part of his disc and clean out the fluid that is obstructing his nerve. Ouch! Insurance is not an option at this time, as he has to wait until November to apply. Even with insurance, he faces the reality of being denied the surgery due to it being considered a preexisting condition. And honestly, he can’t wait that long.
He struggles with immense pain every day. He can’t stand up straight and has to hunch over when he walks. He works three jobs in the service industry as a server and bartender so imagine how difficult work must be. It takes him thirty minutes to even get out of bed and he’s lost 18 pounds. It’s taken a toll on him in every aspect of his life. He describes 2019 as one of the worst years of his life. No one should have to live this way due to lack of finances.
Who’s Derek anyways?
Derek is a huge staple in the service industry and music scene. So many people love and know Derek. Why? Cos he is EVERYWHERE! If you’ve been in Portland awhile, Derek has probably served you a cold one at The Know, served you brunch at the Tin Shed (he’s worked there 16 years!) or talked craft beer with you at The Lombard House and Ruse Brewing. When he’s not working his three service industry jobs, he’s the high-energy bassist in Hellshock, From Ashes Rise, The Etranged and most recently, Nightfell. He’s one of the kindest people, genuine, funny, has great hair and the world’s best dimples. He has a huge heart and generous spirit. He needs our help getting back on his feet.
How can you help?
Money! Please donate anything you can. Every dollar helps. We are hoping to at least get the $10,000 ASAP so he can have the surgery in October. It would be amazing to raise enough money to cover the whole cost of the surgery and then some extra for when he is off work to recover, which will be about two weeks. Please share this on social media! We can do this!!! We love you, Derek!
Late last year, Derek sustained an injury and herniated disc’s L4/5. He does not have insurance and has been paying for all medical appointments and expenses. Currently he’s spent over $5000 out of pocket. This includes: chiropractic, massage therapy, cortisone shots (2 shots at $1000 a piece!!) and physical therapy. It’s been a huge financial burden on Derek. And unfortunately, the burden continues, as the only solution is surgery.
Derek has found a surgeon who can do the surgery for $20,000. Derek will need $10,000 as a down payment and then the surgery can be scheduled. The surgeon will shave off part of his disc and clean out the fluid that is obstructing his nerve. Ouch! Insurance is not an option at this time, as he has to wait until November to apply. Even with insurance, he faces the reality of being denied the surgery due to it being considered a preexisting condition. And honestly, he can’t wait that long.
He struggles with immense pain every day. He can’t stand up straight and has to hunch over when he walks. He works three jobs in the service industry as a server and bartender so imagine how difficult work must be. It takes him thirty minutes to even get out of bed and he’s lost 18 pounds. It’s taken a toll on him in every aspect of his life. He describes 2019 as one of the worst years of his life. No one should have to live this way due to lack of finances.
Who’s Derek anyways?
Derek is a huge staple in the service industry and music scene. So many people love and know Derek. Why? Cos he is EVERYWHERE! If you’ve been in Portland awhile, Derek has probably served you a cold one at The Know, served you brunch at the Tin Shed (he’s worked there 16 years!) or talked craft beer with you at The Lombard House and Ruse Brewing. When he’s not working his three service industry jobs, he’s the high-energy bassist in Hellshock, From Ashes Rise, The Etranged and most recently, Nightfell. He’s one of the kindest people, genuine, funny, has great hair and the world’s best dimples. He has a huge heart and generous spirit. He needs our help getting back on his feet.
How can you help?
Money! Please donate anything you can. Every dollar helps. We are hoping to at least get the $10,000 ASAP so he can have the surgery in October. It would be amazing to raise enough money to cover the whole cost of the surgery and then some extra for when he is off work to recover, which will be about two weeks. Please share this on social media! We can do this!!! We love you, Derek!
Organizer and beneficiary
Nateesh Noakes
Organizer
Portland, OR
Derek Willman
Beneficiary