Help Jeremy Zap His Brain Tumor

Jeremy has a big, bold personality and a lot to give this world! He always looks for ways to help others and is studying Behavioral and Social Sciences so he can become a behavioral therapist. He can often be found counseling friends, loved ones and strangers who are going through difficult times. He's been married to Lissa for 10 years and they have three children, ages 5, 7 and 9. It may be surprising to some that Jeremy has been suffering with severe health problems for a long time, including chronic, debilitating migraines with intense head pressure and dizziness, which have left him unable to work. Recently, those migraines have become a daily occurrence, with little relief despite aggressive treatment. 

He had an MRI in September, and then in October, that revealed his brain tumor had grown and is considered very large and dangerous for the place it's located -- Meckel’s Cave, an area of the brain that houses the Trigeminal nerve and the major artery that supplies blood to the brain. The good news: it’s not malignant. The bad news: it’s aggressive still and growing.

He was referred to University of Chicago Medicine to meet with a renowned brain surgeon on Oct. 23. Going into the appointment, he and Lissa were hopeful the tumor could be removed, but the surgeon said that due to the location, removing it could cause more harm than good, with a high likelihood of serious side effects (like being paralyzed from the neck up), stroke or even death (if the artery near the tumor were compromised). 

The theorized plan (until he gets the new scan results and test results back) is stereotactic radiosurgery (Gamma knife surgery). This treatment option is good because it is non-invasive and if successful, would starve off the tumor, but bad because the tumor would remain in his head, still giving him head pressure with no guarantee of shrinking. On top of this, the surgeon's surgeries are  now booked for the rest of the year, which is bad for insurance purposes. 

The surgeon ordered a new, specialized MRI at his facility (not in-network with insurance), which means they could be left with large, unexpected medical bills. Finding this out also means future treatment (including surgery) at this facility may not be covered, and if it's pushed to next year, they face a $3,000 deductible plus additional out-of pocket costs (much more if the facility will not agree to work with their insurance). Additionally, there are travel expenses of going back and forth to Chicago, food, hotel stays, childcare.

Beyond the brain tumor, Jeremy found out from his ENT that he needs 2 sinus surgeries. One major and the other (and more important) outpatient. 

First the family is asking for prayer. They believe in the power of healing in Jesus' name! They also also ask for prayers for strength for Lissa in meeting Jeremy's medical needs while caring for their young family, balancing her job and jumping through insurance hoops.  

Jeremy used to be such an active guy, running, lifting weights, trail biking and running around with the kids. His family is desperate to help him return to health!