A Game-Changing Treatment for Josh

Josh is 15 years old and the oldest of our 4 kids.  He has autism and intractable epilepsy, meaning that it cannot be controlled with medication.  He has had thousands of seizures since he was 3 months old, and most have been grand mal, the kind that cause violent, full-body muscle contractions and a loss of consciousness.  Several were so long that he sustained brain damage.  He has fallen countless times, hitting his head on furniture, hard floors, concrete, even rocks, leaving him injured and often requiring stitches.  His falls have caused multiple concussions and, despite wearing a protective helmet, he has continued to sustain other injuries as well.  Last October, he had a seizure that caused him to fall flat on his face on a concrete basketball court, fracturing his jaw in three places and jamming his teeth up into his gums.  This required emergency surgery to put titanium plates in his jaw and splint his teeth back into place.  All these brain injuries have caused him to frequently lose control and lash out in violent, angry rages, often hurting those around him.

And yet, we still occasionally get glimpses of the sweet, kind, gentle boy that he really is.  We just see those glimpses less and less often.  It’s been heart-breaking to watch our son slip further and further away, especially when we can still see flashes of his brilliance, his sweetness and goodness.  When Josh is happy, he radiates joy.  He lives in the moment, and sees people for who they really are.  He has changed many lives with his Christ-like purity.  And yet, we at home don’t often see that because at home is where the rages are the worst.

Recently, while researching new ways to help Josh, we learned about the benefits of neurofeedback and realized that he desperately needs it because his brain has become so badly dysregulated that he is no longer capable of sustained normal functioning.  Neurofeedback is a powerful way to improve brain function and quality of life.  The brain is capable of amazing change and is able to re-regulate itself under the right conditions.

Over the years, my husband and I have been on a constant quest to improve things for Josh, and our doctors believe this could be a game-changer for him.  As we’ve learned about this treatment, and then fasted and prayed about it, God has given us renewed hope that his brain can be re-regulated and start to heal.  Even if his seizures could be reduced and the anger and aggression lessened, it would make a big difference in his quality of life and lead to increased peace in our home.

The problem is that neurofeedback is expensive and not often covered by insurance.  We know we need to get Josh treatment now, but it requires consistent sessions that are several times per week and most treatment courses last for at least 40 sessions.  This will cost over $1000 a month for at least 5 months, something we simply cannot pull off on our own right now despite our best efforts.  We have faith, though, that we will have what we need as we need it, and he is scheduled to start treatment in a week.  This is where we need your help.  Please help us by donating whatever amount you can.  Every bit is appreciated.  Please help us get the word out about this, too.  We have such hope for our son and that his quality of life, and ours, can improve with this treatment.  Thank you for everything!!!!!

Love, Jon & Kelley Birrell