Jon Alan Biography

(Born September 9,1952)
My mother smoked while I was in the womb and until I was four, she gave me this horrific pneumonia, asthma and bronchitis, but worse, both parents physically and emotionally, psychologically deeply abused me.

(1973-1978)
I have been a printing pressman, graphic designer, and darkroom technician and photographer. I won a national design award with the design department at Sarah Lawrence College in Westchester County, NY, USA too many years ago to remember, it was for a brochure for their Early Childhood Center.

(1980-1988)
I then was a high level Operations Manager for a huge bank, and then a medium sized warehouse business.

(1986-1996)
Finally I ran my own sole-proprietorship business as a consultant to small business, a network architect, technician and trainer.

(1996 to Present)
Permanently disabled and permanently unable to work due to a collapsed and crushed lower lumbar spine, and a horribly failed and ineffective 7 hour surgical three level spinal laminectomy and fusion at S1-L3 disk levels, leaving me mostly bedridden and in 24/7 horrific pain, medication - the palliative approach - administered by a beautiful human being and Pain Management Doctor, has given me back a small amount of my freedom to spend at most two-three hours a day doing chores or fun, the rest of the day spent in bed on my side like a Sultan reclining, writing my poetry and publishing my art and photographs.

I live so far below the poverty level, surviving on $724.00 a month SSI, and $152.00 a month in food stamps, that I have learned a new humbling lesson on what is really important in life!