DAN’S FIGHT FOR NEW LIFE
Community comes together to help...
DANIEL Eiser doesn’t mince words when describing his feelings ahead of surgery tomorrow that could potentially leave him paralysed.
“I’m pretty scared, especially when the doctors tell you they don’t know what they can actually do to you,” the Toowoomba-bred diesel fitter admitted.
But Mr Eiser will head to the Princess Alexandra Hospital in Brisbane with the support of the whole community behind him, after friends and strangers raised thousands of dollars to support his young family.
The 31-year-old has lived in constant and increasing pain since a benign tumour was first detected by doctors six years ago.
The 7cm growth, which presses against three of Mr Eiser’s vertebrae, has forced the normally outgoing and active man to hunch over “like a banana” due to the unbearable pain.
Mr Eiser said he could barely walk, couldn’t feel his legs and was on heavy steroids to reduce inflammation.
“At the moment, I’m hunched over all the time,” he said.
“(Hunching) relieves the pain, but as I stand up, the nerves tense up and I get a stabbing pain.
“It’s like a hand grabbed my spine and gave it a good squeeze.”
With recent radiation therapy doing nothing to slow the growth of a tumour that doctors can’t properly diagnose, Mr Eiser will risk possible paralysis for the chance to live without pain again.
A GoFundMe account set up by his sister Brittany has already attracted more than $3500 in four days to support Mr Eiser’s wife Rachel and seven-month-old son Hunter while he is off work.
“I think he’s pretty nervous, but he’s in that much pain he just wants to do something about it,” his sister said.
“I’m completely grateful (for the donations) – we were so surprised.
“The army supporting Daniel and his family right now is incredible.”
Mr Eiser was surprised and humbled by the online contributions.
“I’m very appreciative – it’s more than I’d ever thought I’d get,” he said.
To donate to Mr Eiser’s campaign, head to gofundme.com/please -help-our-brother-dan.