Help with Mikey's brain surgery and NF2 treatment

Michael "Mikey" Evans is an 18-year-old Big Island, Hawaii resident who is a recent graduate of Kealakehe High School. He has been very involved in both JROTC and Civil Air Patrol. Mikey is well respected and adored by his family, friends and community.

Mikey has an uncommon genetic illness called Neurofibromatosis Type 2 also known as NF2. As of now, there is no cure for NF2 and it is a progressing condition. NF2 creates benign tumors on the cranial nerves and spine. This causes many difficulties including; hearing loss, inflammation in the brain, vertigo, imbalance and a variety of complications if left untreated. Unfortunately, Hawaii lacks the resources to give him the proper care. He has seen specialists on Oahu but with his rare condition, they don’t treat many others with NF2 and do not have the experience necessary for the state of the progression of his disease. There are NF clinics that specialize in this type of condition in the domestic United States. Fortunately, we have been given the opportunity to receive care at one of these locations called The House Clinic in Los Angeles.

Mikey is currently deaf in both ears and has inflammation in the brain due to a tumor that continues to grow. This is causing him headaches, vertigo, pain, fatigue, and constant overall discomfort. This prevents him from being able to work and engage in everyday activities.

Mikey requires brain surgery to remove one of the tumors that has grown to the size of a baseball, as well as a brain stem implant to help regain some hearing. In the coming years, there will be many follow-up appointments at the NF Clinic as well as various ongoing treatments to help minimize/shrink the tumors.

Funds raised will cover the out-of-pocket medical costs for surgeries, treatments and medications, as well as travel and other costs directly associated with taking care of Mikey's health.

This fundraiser has been created with love and aloha by Rob and Lynn Rostau to support Mikey and his family. Mikey's parents Heather and Norman and Godmother Christie, thank you for your love, support and prayers.

For more information about NF2 you can visit:

www.ctf.org

www.nfnetwork.org

www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/neurofibromatosis/neurofibromatosis-type-2