Koshin - Sifu Moonfist Battles Epilepsy
Donation protected
Moonfist is “caped” by Mayor Maja Tait as Sooke’s Superhero, “Broomfist” in recognition of his service to Sooke. Aug.19,2017. ©Sooke News Mirror
End of Campaign: Thank-you from Sifu Moonfist's spouse: Maggie Jackson-Hughes
Sifu Moonfist is recovering very well now. He seems to have passed a milestone and the improvements are daily. He is active on Facebook and starting to chat about returning to his project, the safety and beautification of Sooke and region.
We wish to thank our beautiful sea side community for all the love and support you have so generously shared with us during this challenging time.
Donated funds were used for expenses related to Sifu’s surgery and recovery. While assisting Sifu’s recovery I started making masks which I am donating to the Food Bank and others. Many have donated cotton linens and fabrics, so if you see what looks like a favorite old dress of yours on someone’s face, yep, that’s right, it probably is! I take great pleasure knowing I am able to return the kindness and love.
We have decided to close the Go Fund Me campaign as Sifu and I no longer require the financial assistance of our community. Once again, many heartfelt thanks to all.
Update March, 2019: Sifu underwent brain surgery on January 10, 2020 at the Lion's Gate Hospital in Vancouver. Sifu’s recovery is slow as there has been a setback but he is seizure free which was the goal of the surgery. Sifu is resting at home and once the lockdown is over he will continue therapies which will enhance his recovery. He dreams of cleaning our beautiful town and chatting with the many friends he has here in Sooke. In the meantime, he has become very active on Facebook and delights when contacted. Sifu Moonfist and I would like to thank the many persons who so generously donated to the Go Fund Me campaign. The funds alleviated financial anxiety during this challenging period and we are deeply appreciative.
Sifu Moonfist, the man behind the broom, is now facing a serious health challenge with the same gentle determination that describes his everyday life.
For the past 14 years, Moonfist has been quietly cleaning up Sooke: picking up litter, sweeping roadsides, removing graffiti, and greeting pedestrians as his voluntary contribution to make Sooke a safe and beautiful community.
Many people have been asking, where is Moonfist? “We haven't seen him for months!”
We, the Friends of Moonfist, wish to answer your questions and ask for your assistance.
Moonfist has severe epilepsy. In Nov. 2005, he endured 14 days of deep cranial probes at the Montreal Neurological Institute to determine the source of the seizures. On Feb. 16 2006 (Moonfist’s 43rd birthday) he underwent surgery to remove the left side amygdala and a portion of the hippocampus (selective amygdalohippocampectomy) which relieved several types of seizure events. Sudden onset of adult epilepsy is usually caused by brain injury but in Moonfist’s case it was due to malformed brain tissues. Unfortunately, over the past 18 months the seizures have increased in frequency and have become debilitating. After thorough evaluation at Vancouver General, it was determined he will need to have the remaining portion of the left hippocampus removed.
While the costs for hospitalization are covered by Moonfist’s medical plan, it will likely be a long recovery in Vancouver before he can come home. During this time his wife, Maggie, needs to constantly be close by, which means paying for accommodation, transportation and everyday living expenses while they are in Vancouver. Future costs are unknown at this time but not surprisingly Moonfist has requested that any unused funds be donated to the Sooke Food Bank.
Moonfist has been a constant blessing to Sooke. Please help us thank and recognize Moonfist’s dedication to Sooke by contributing to his GoFundMe campaign (add link here)
With sincere thanks from the Friends of Moonfist.
End of Campaign: Thank-you from Sifu Moonfist's spouse: Maggie Jackson-Hughes
Sifu Moonfist is recovering very well now. He seems to have passed a milestone and the improvements are daily. He is active on Facebook and starting to chat about returning to his project, the safety and beautification of Sooke and region.
We wish to thank our beautiful sea side community for all the love and support you have so generously shared with us during this challenging time.
Donated funds were used for expenses related to Sifu’s surgery and recovery. While assisting Sifu’s recovery I started making masks which I am donating to the Food Bank and others. Many have donated cotton linens and fabrics, so if you see what looks like a favorite old dress of yours on someone’s face, yep, that’s right, it probably is! I take great pleasure knowing I am able to return the kindness and love.
We have decided to close the Go Fund Me campaign as Sifu and I no longer require the financial assistance of our community. Once again, many heartfelt thanks to all.
Update March, 2019: Sifu underwent brain surgery on January 10, 2020 at the Lion's Gate Hospital in Vancouver. Sifu’s recovery is slow as there has been a setback but he is seizure free which was the goal of the surgery. Sifu is resting at home and once the lockdown is over he will continue therapies which will enhance his recovery. He dreams of cleaning our beautiful town and chatting with the many friends he has here in Sooke. In the meantime, he has become very active on Facebook and delights when contacted. Sifu Moonfist and I would like to thank the many persons who so generously donated to the Go Fund Me campaign. The funds alleviated financial anxiety during this challenging period and we are deeply appreciative.
Sifu Moonfist, the man behind the broom, is now facing a serious health challenge with the same gentle determination that describes his everyday life.
For the past 14 years, Moonfist has been quietly cleaning up Sooke: picking up litter, sweeping roadsides, removing graffiti, and greeting pedestrians as his voluntary contribution to make Sooke a safe and beautiful community.
Many people have been asking, where is Moonfist? “We haven't seen him for months!”
We, the Friends of Moonfist, wish to answer your questions and ask for your assistance.
Moonfist has severe epilepsy. In Nov. 2005, he endured 14 days of deep cranial probes at the Montreal Neurological Institute to determine the source of the seizures. On Feb. 16 2006 (Moonfist’s 43rd birthday) he underwent surgery to remove the left side amygdala and a portion of the hippocampus (selective amygdalohippocampectomy) which relieved several types of seizure events. Sudden onset of adult epilepsy is usually caused by brain injury but in Moonfist’s case it was due to malformed brain tissues. Unfortunately, over the past 18 months the seizures have increased in frequency and have become debilitating. After thorough evaluation at Vancouver General, it was determined he will need to have the remaining portion of the left hippocampus removed.
While the costs for hospitalization are covered by Moonfist’s medical plan, it will likely be a long recovery in Vancouver before he can come home. During this time his wife, Maggie, needs to constantly be close by, which means paying for accommodation, transportation and everyday living expenses while they are in Vancouver. Future costs are unknown at this time but not surprisingly Moonfist has requested that any unused funds be donated to the Sooke Food Bank.
Moonfist has been a constant blessing to Sooke. Please help us thank and recognize Moonfist’s dedication to Sooke by contributing to his GoFundMe campaign (add link here)
With sincere thanks from the Friends of Moonfist.
Organizer and beneficiary
Friends Of Sifu Moonfist
Organizer
Sooke, BC
Margaret Jackson-Hughes
Beneficiary