Chris’s medical expenses

As many of you are aware, Chris sustained a debilitating back injury that has progressed. He has had difficulty with mobility and significant lower back pain which has led to a need for surgical intervention. Chris is scheduled for a double laminectomy of his lumber spine involving L4 and L5, on December 18th at Northern Lights Mercy Spine Surgery. For those curious as to what exactly a laminectomy is -it is an open spinal surgery that removes small sections of bone (called lamina) from the spine, in Chris’s case his surgery is of the lower lumber, and he has two vertebrae that will need surgical attention.

It is uncertain at this time if his surgery will involve spinal fusion or double discectomy (removal of damaged soft tissue), but from the MRI and severity of lower back damage, it is most likely. He is expected to be unable to work for eight weeks, with the possibility that he may not be able to return to his business.

As you can imagine this is financially devastating, as well as emotionally taxing for the Pettengill’s, Chris is self-employed, and self-insured. For those who know Christopher well, also know that he is incredibly reluctant to reach out for help. With that being said, he is always there to lend a helping hand, have a conversation or a heart to heart when we need it.

Let’s help Chris get through this surgery, and back on his feet!! Cause we all know, we need him around!