Hey everyone! My name is Amy, I am the Director of Operations at The Illuminating Collective. Our founder, Justin LaPree, is facing a crippling, debilitating injury that has rendered him unable to stand, walk, work, and move. We desperately need your support to help get Justin the care he needs so he can get back to work with the non-profit, helping veterans and first responders heal in our 21-week programs.
We thank you for taking a moment to read about Justin’s condition and for considering donating towards his healing treatment. If you can’t afford to donate at this time, please consider sharing this with your network instead. We know the power of community, and we need our community now more than ever.
Justin has spent his entire career in service to others, and now he needs us. Thank you for your time and support.
In Justin’s own words:
Hello dear friends, family, and compassionate supporters,
My name is Justin LaPree. Many of you know me as a former Marine, firefighter, and a dedicated advocate for healing and transformation through my non-profit work at The Illuminating Collective. I’ve always believed in serving others and holding space for healing. But now, I find myself in a position I never imagined – asking for help.
I am currently battling a severe spinal injury that has left me mostly bedridden and in excruciating, unrelenting pain. I’ve been diagnosed with a 5mm herniation at L4/L5 and a more critical 8mm herniation at L5/S1.
These herniated discs are compressing my sciatic nerve, causing severe acute sciatic pain that radiates down my legs, often making basic movements like standing, walking, or even sitting nearly impossible. The pain has overtaken my daily life, stripped away my mobility, and brought with it emotional, physical, and financial strain.
After exploring every non-surgical route, I was fortunate to discover a promising and minimally invasive regenerative treatment offered at the Pauza Spine Institute in Dallas. It’s called DISCSEEL®, an innovative procedure developed by Dr. Kevin Pauza.
DISCSEEL uses biologic fibrin, a naturally derived from the body, to seal and repair the damaged discs, restoring their function without fusion or major surgery. It’s one of the few options that offers real hope for patients like me, whose condition is severe but not ideal for traditional spinal surgery.
This treatment has the potential to restore my mobility, relieve the debilitating nerve pain, and allow me to return to the mission of helping others heal, working with TICo. Unfortunately, DISCSEEL is not covered by insurance.
The total cost of the procedure and post-treatment care is significant, at over $22,000. As someone who has committed my life to service, I now humbly turn to my community and extended family for support.
Every dollar raised will go directly toward the DISCSEEL procedure and post-procedure recovery and rehabilitation support.
I’ve dedicated my life to helping others find light in their darkest hours. Now, I find myself navigating one of my own. If my work has ever touched your life, inspired you, or made you feel supported, please consider helping me reclaim my health and mobility.
Whether you’re able to contribute financially or simply share this campaign with your community, your support means the world to me. I am deeply grateful for any act of kindness, prayer, or encouragement you can offer.
From the bottom of my heart, thank you.
With love,
Justin LaPree
If you would like to know more about Justin’s non-profit, The Illuminating Collective , and his work, please visit the website. For all other inquiries, you can reach out to Amy.
To learn more about Justin’s story, watch his 8 minute video here:
