Evan James - Physical Therapy Fund

I grew up wanting to play baseball. It was my passion. I had come so far towards my goal, but on February 16, 2014 my life changed. I was hit by a line drive after throwing a pitch in a preseason live practice. I had seizures for over an hour and was taken to Mercy Hospital in Pittsburgh -I was diagnosed me with a life-threatening brain hemorrhage, a fractured skull, and a dislocated jaw. I was rushed into emergency surgery and I survived through the hard work and dedication of physicians, nurses, and rehab therapists. It was a long road, but I returned to baseball.






A new obstacle was thrown in my path in February 2015. I had been having difficulty with my reflexes and an MRI detected a tumor encased within my thoracic spinal cord. I underwent surgery on February 3, 2015. Thankfully this malignant tumor was completely removed and I will only require periodic MRIs, but my life definitely was changed. I found difficulty with basic tasks like walking and running. Running these days is virtually impossible. I couldn't jump either. My back was healing, and I couldn't throw a baseball with the same ferocity that I had become used to - I can barely throw at all to this day. I had severe coordination issues. I had new severe burning pains in my legs, as well as atrophy. To get to the tumor, the surgeons had to cut through some of the nerves of my spinal cord. Despite rigorous discipline, therapy, and dedication, I am still working to overcome the effects of this surgery. The pains have improved, but the long road of recovery still continues... even almost a year later!



I created this GoFundMe page to raise money for intensive neurorehabilitation, so that I continue to have access to the medical therapies I need to improve. While I may never play professional baseball, I want a life that isn't painful, where I can regain feeling and coordination, and live my life without restrictions. Medical insurance funds have been limited at best. I've got one shot at this - to heal from my surgery at the same time I finish school - and only limited resources to fund this. I am simultaneously in my senior year of college, and working to complete my degree. My graduation has been postponed twice due to these injuries, but I'm determined to finish in 2016!

My friends and family have always been an inspiration to me and I hope my story inspires others to overcome their own obstacles. Life is precious and I am eternally grateful for the support of my friends, family, and strangers who have reached out to me with their generosity.

"O Lord My God, I called to you for help and you healed me," - Psalm 30:2.