Dad Needs Specialized Spinal Surgery

Dear Reader,

Thank you for your time. My name is Alicia Miller, and I am writing this on behalf of my Father, Tim Miller, who is suffering great pain primarily due to compounding issues with his spine. As a boy, he received damage that no child or adult should suffer, and at the age of 18, his spine was re-injured in a truck accident. Despite painful repercussions since, and as long as I can remember, Dad has worked hard whenever possible to provide for my Mom and I. However, extreme pain has become so constant, leaving him bed bound for even weeks at a time, that he is now virtually unemployable. Nonetheless, Dad's strong faith motivates him to stay positive, and this has inspired me and several others who have watched him battle along this road.

Currently, my Dad has one obliterated lumbar disc, two herniated lumbar discs, one herniated cervical disc, scoliosis, stenosis, spinal bone spurs, a benign spinal tumour, and advanced wear on several facet joints. Noteworthy is also the fact that my parents have collectively undergone well over 20 surgeries, and in my Dad's case, life-changing esophageal damage, which to this day greatly limits his ability to swallow food. Parkinsonian symptoms, significant dental needs, and other accumulative ailments add to his challenging daily routine. I feel you should know that Dad is a gifted carpenter, singer/songwriter and published visual artist, who is eager to once again provide for his family and share these gifts with others.

Traditional North American surgical practices have not been recommended for my Father's specific spinal needs, specifically regarding lumbar and sacral. With much research, my family has been led to ONZ of Germany with the hope of multi-disc replacement surgery. We live on Vancouver Island, B.C. Canada; therefore, three flights to and from the hospital in Recklinghausen, Germany, will be necessary. With over two weeks of post-operative recovery stay, surgery costs, travel and miscellaneous, we currently estimate the need for $85000 - $90000.

The joy felt that my Dad could be relieved of significant pain and thus regain mobility for the first time in decades; there are no adequate words to express. Please know that we will be highly grateful to all who may be compelled to help.

God Bless you.