Colby's Medical Fund
Donation protected
In August 2016, our friend Colby Stevens was diagnosed with a rare autoimmune disease called ADEM (acute disseminated encephalomyelitis). This disease is marked by a sudden, widespread attack of inflammation in the brain and the spinal cord. ADEM typically affects small children, with roughly 4 out of 100,000 children under 12 being affected by the disease. Cases of ADEM in adults (especially in Colby’s case, as a healthy and fit 21 year old) are much less common.
The road to a proper diagnosis was not clear of obstacles; on August 8th, Colby began to feel unwell, initially exhibiting symptoms that are often associated with the flu. Within 24 hours, Colby became disoriented and unresponsive. He was rushed to the Amherst hospital and found himself in a state that left doctors grasping at straws in search of an answer. While the situation was initially very grim, doctors were finally able to make a concrete diagnosis. It took two weeks and three different medical facilities to come to the conclusion that Colby had ADEM. With this diagnosis, doctors have stood by their claim that significant recovery is possible for Colby, however, due to the severity of Colby’s case the disease had already created large lesions on his brain. He was left with virtually no motor skills and very little cognitive function.
Colby, who is the son of Glen Stevens and Susan Smith of Pugwash, NS, was very active in the community through sports and recreation before his battle with ADEM. While he was always a tremendous athlete, he became well-known around the community as a leader and a mentor for the young people of Pugwash. A leader on and off the court, Colby found joy and success as the head coach of the mini boys basketball program at Cyrus Eaton Elementary School. As a student-athlete Colby helped lead Pugwash District High School to a total of five provincial championships in his three years on the Sr. varsity teams.
Since the diagnosis of ADEM, Colby has made strides in his path to recovery. After spending four months in the outstanding care of the QEII staff in Halifax, he has been moved to the Nova Scotia Rehabilitation Centre where he will continue his fight. Within the last few months, Colby has regained some cognitive ability and is starting to become more able physically. He loves visits from his close friends and family members, and can often be found with a big grin on his face when in the company of his loved ones. The courage and willpower that he and his family have shown throughout the last five months has been absolutely incredible. The community of Pugwash and surrounding areas have been incredibly supportive, and words can not express how truly grateful the Stevens family is for all of your support thus far.
Due to the rarity and severity of Colby’s case of ADEM, recovery is going to be a long and gruelling process. As a friend of the family I am asking for your continued support. All donations that are pledged to this page will go directly to Colby’s family in order to help cover the costs of travel from Pugwash to Halifax, including food, hospital parking and Colby’s eventual return home from the rehabilitation centre.
From the bottom of our hearts, we thank you all for you support during this time of need.
For more information on ADEM, click the following link:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mrlk7FWOj7Q
The road to a proper diagnosis was not clear of obstacles; on August 8th, Colby began to feel unwell, initially exhibiting symptoms that are often associated with the flu. Within 24 hours, Colby became disoriented and unresponsive. He was rushed to the Amherst hospital and found himself in a state that left doctors grasping at straws in search of an answer. While the situation was initially very grim, doctors were finally able to make a concrete diagnosis. It took two weeks and three different medical facilities to come to the conclusion that Colby had ADEM. With this diagnosis, doctors have stood by their claim that significant recovery is possible for Colby, however, due to the severity of Colby’s case the disease had already created large lesions on his brain. He was left with virtually no motor skills and very little cognitive function.
Colby, who is the son of Glen Stevens and Susan Smith of Pugwash, NS, was very active in the community through sports and recreation before his battle with ADEM. While he was always a tremendous athlete, he became well-known around the community as a leader and a mentor for the young people of Pugwash. A leader on and off the court, Colby found joy and success as the head coach of the mini boys basketball program at Cyrus Eaton Elementary School. As a student-athlete Colby helped lead Pugwash District High School to a total of five provincial championships in his three years on the Sr. varsity teams.
Since the diagnosis of ADEM, Colby has made strides in his path to recovery. After spending four months in the outstanding care of the QEII staff in Halifax, he has been moved to the Nova Scotia Rehabilitation Centre where he will continue his fight. Within the last few months, Colby has regained some cognitive ability and is starting to become more able physically. He loves visits from his close friends and family members, and can often be found with a big grin on his face when in the company of his loved ones. The courage and willpower that he and his family have shown throughout the last five months has been absolutely incredible. The community of Pugwash and surrounding areas have been incredibly supportive, and words can not express how truly grateful the Stevens family is for all of your support thus far.
Due to the rarity and severity of Colby’s case of ADEM, recovery is going to be a long and gruelling process. As a friend of the family I am asking for your continued support. All donations that are pledged to this page will go directly to Colby’s family in order to help cover the costs of travel from Pugwash to Halifax, including food, hospital parking and Colby’s eventual return home from the rehabilitation centre.
From the bottom of our hearts, we thank you all for you support during this time of need.
For more information on ADEM, click the following link:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mrlk7FWOj7Q
Organizer and beneficiary
Blaine Reid
Organizer
Pugwash, NS
Susan Smith
Beneficiary