Beth Bishop's Medical Fund
Donation protected
Meet the Bishops, if you haven't already. Josh, Beth, Noah, and that little cutie in the blue dress is Emma.
These are quite possibly the friendliest and most extraordinarily kind people I've ever known.
Josh has been one of my best friends for 15 years, and his wife, Beth, for the last 10. In that time, I can't think of a single harsh word I've heard uttered by them or about them. They're just those people; the type that are so genuinely likeable and sincere that you can't help but be at ease in their presence.
Josh and Beth, at their core, are folks with whom you can share your problems. They care, they listen, and they radiate positivity. While they deal with what lies ahead, they could use some of that same support from all of us.
On June 6th, Beth will undergo brain surgery.
To explain, I'll put it in Josh's words:
"For the last two years my wonderful and amazing wife has been suffering from what's called a Chiari Malformation. Normally, there is a small space between your brain and the opening of your spinal cord, to allow spinal fluid to flow from the spinal cord to the brain and back into the spinal cord.
With Beth, there isn't enough space there, so when the spinal fluid flows back into the spinal cord it is creating suction that is basically pulling her brain into the spinal cord opening. This is causing 24 hour a day headaches, numbness in her hands and feet, balance problems, anxiety, memory issues and other side effects. If left untreated it can cause paralysis.
The only real option is surgery. They will go in and try to create space in the back of her skull. The surgery is Monday June 6th. There is a 10-15% chance of complications, which is not bad considering it's brain surgery.
We have met with a few different doctors and feel very comfortable and confident we are in good hands with Dr. Bailey. This is a scary time for our family and all prayers, love and support are appreciated."
Following her successful surgery, Beth will remain hospitalized for several days. Upon her return home, she will be on bed rest for another few weeks as she slowly begins to recover. Beth’s recovery will be a gradual process, as the surgery requires every neck muscle be disconnected from her head. After her bed rest, she will remain out of work for several months to recuperate and heal.
During these months, the Bishop's will be down to a single income to support themselves and their young family. While they are fortunate enough to live in a country with access to incredible medical care, the bills for such a procedure, even with medical coverage, are going to be a tremendous burden to them.
At the same time that these medical bills start to accumulate, Beth will need to be focused solely on working through a very difficult healing process.
Like countless others in situations requiring use of advanced medical technology, they know how fortunate they are to have access to these types of treatments. Likewise, they recognize the incredible costs associated with these treatments, and are preparing to embrace the physical, emotional and financial challenges ahead.
While we can't help the medical team make Beth well, we can sure hope to help these incredible people keep their focus where it needs to be, which is on Beth's recovery, and not the weight of exorbitant, mounting medical bills.
So that is the goal. To help a family that cares so much for others be able to focus on what is ultimately most important, with a little help from those that love them.
Please know that anything collected will go immediately to Josh and Beth in order to provide for her care and minimize the financial impediments to her recovery.
Prayers and positive energy for Beth, and the entire family, are appreciated by them more than you can imagine. Please join me in keeping them in your thoughts.
Thank you.
These are quite possibly the friendliest and most extraordinarily kind people I've ever known.
Josh has been one of my best friends for 15 years, and his wife, Beth, for the last 10. In that time, I can't think of a single harsh word I've heard uttered by them or about them. They're just those people; the type that are so genuinely likeable and sincere that you can't help but be at ease in their presence.
Josh and Beth, at their core, are folks with whom you can share your problems. They care, they listen, and they radiate positivity. While they deal with what lies ahead, they could use some of that same support from all of us.
On June 6th, Beth will undergo brain surgery.
To explain, I'll put it in Josh's words:
"For the last two years my wonderful and amazing wife has been suffering from what's called a Chiari Malformation. Normally, there is a small space between your brain and the opening of your spinal cord, to allow spinal fluid to flow from the spinal cord to the brain and back into the spinal cord.
With Beth, there isn't enough space there, so when the spinal fluid flows back into the spinal cord it is creating suction that is basically pulling her brain into the spinal cord opening. This is causing 24 hour a day headaches, numbness in her hands and feet, balance problems, anxiety, memory issues and other side effects. If left untreated it can cause paralysis.
The only real option is surgery. They will go in and try to create space in the back of her skull. The surgery is Monday June 6th. There is a 10-15% chance of complications, which is not bad considering it's brain surgery.
We have met with a few different doctors and feel very comfortable and confident we are in good hands with Dr. Bailey. This is a scary time for our family and all prayers, love and support are appreciated."
Following her successful surgery, Beth will remain hospitalized for several days. Upon her return home, she will be on bed rest for another few weeks as she slowly begins to recover. Beth’s recovery will be a gradual process, as the surgery requires every neck muscle be disconnected from her head. After her bed rest, she will remain out of work for several months to recuperate and heal.
During these months, the Bishop's will be down to a single income to support themselves and their young family. While they are fortunate enough to live in a country with access to incredible medical care, the bills for such a procedure, even with medical coverage, are going to be a tremendous burden to them.
At the same time that these medical bills start to accumulate, Beth will need to be focused solely on working through a very difficult healing process.
Like countless others in situations requiring use of advanced medical technology, they know how fortunate they are to have access to these types of treatments. Likewise, they recognize the incredible costs associated with these treatments, and are preparing to embrace the physical, emotional and financial challenges ahead.
While we can't help the medical team make Beth well, we can sure hope to help these incredible people keep their focus where it needs to be, which is on Beth's recovery, and not the weight of exorbitant, mounting medical bills.
So that is the goal. To help a family that cares so much for others be able to focus on what is ultimately most important, with a little help from those that love them.
Please know that anything collected will go immediately to Josh and Beth in order to provide for her care and minimize the financial impediments to her recovery.
Prayers and positive energy for Beth, and the entire family, are appreciated by them more than you can imagine. Please join me in keeping them in your thoughts.
Thank you.
Organizer and beneficiary
Michael J Gesme
Organizer
Charleston, SC
Beth Bishop
Beneficiary