A Friend in Need: Let's Help Allan Barnard

SUPPORT MY EFFORT TO NOT WALK FUNNY (and in pain): THE STRUGGLE AGAINST SPONDYLOLISTHESIS

To my fantastic friends, friends-of-friends, and kind-hearted strangers (whom I might very well soon befriend!).

For those who haven't had the absolute pleasure of making my acquaintance, I'm Allan Barnard, and I'm about to tell you a tale of woe... with a slight smile, because what else can you do?

So, picture this: last year, I started walking funny. Not funny ha-ha. That hinke-pink funny with a fair amount of pain and discomfort, like rushing to the loo when you REALLY have to go. I suppose some found it funny ha-ha. (I’m looking at you Mark!) Not long thereafter, I was diagnosed with something called spondylolisthesis. Sounds like a spell from Harry Potter, yes? Basically, one of my vertebrae did a runner (L5, for those in the know), and now my spinal cord feels like it's in a wrestling match it can't win. The result? My legs have decided to take an extended holiday.

These days, I get around with the help of my trusty walker, whom I've named...