Help Matt with medical expenses

My name is Kim, I’m reaching out to help my good friend Matt Schwahn. For those of you that know Matt you know he is a local musician. Since March he has been dealing with a ringing in his left ear. He decided to get it checked out and was treated for an ear infection. Time went by and after the infection was gone the ringing persisted. Since then he has had multiple Dr appointments and finally an MRI on June 15th. The MRI determined he has an acoustic neuroma, also known as vestibular schwannoma (Ironic name), a noncancerous and usually slow-growing tumor that develops on the main (vestibular) nerve leading from your inner ear to your brain. The tumor is 3.2 cm by 2.2 cm by 2 cm and is putting pressure on the pons and medulla(brain stem), cerebellum, auditory and balance nerve and also the main nerve that controls that side of the face. He has an appointment on the 5th of August for a hearing evaluation to get a baseline before surgery and on the 6th with his neurosurgeon. Hopefully then they will schedule the surgery(craniotomy) so he can be on the path to recovery. Right now his symptoms are getting worse and include the ringing ear, burning pains, twitching, numbness and tingling on the left side of his face and head, deja vu, occasional vertigo or visual artifacts(like floaties),trouble sleeping, trouble swallowing and headaches. Matt has gotten health insurance started that will take effect August 1st. After surgery he won’t be able to work for at least 4 to 6 weeks, potentially longer. With the tumor being on the nerve that also controls balance he will also likely need physical therapy. Damage to the facial nerve is a real concern and would be debilitating. Hearing loss is pretty much a given and could be complete deafness in that ear. We are hoping to raise enough money to help pay medical bills accrued before the August first date, what Insurance will not cover of the surgery and medical bills(deductibles, coinsurance, copays etc.) and they will also need help with the bills while he is recovering and unable to work. This is brain surgery and while modern technology has come along way it is dangerous so please help Matt in anyway you can. Even if it’s just prayers or well wishes. Jamara or I will keep this page updated and to any changes that apply and to keep everyone informed. Please share this fundraiser and keep it going.

Thank you for your time.

Sincerely,
Kimberly Davis