Frank had a headache that lasted many weeks and one evening it became so painful he was unable to function and became incoherent. After arriving at the hospital, our life and his health have taken many twisting turns.

In simple terms, Frank’s brain is sagging in his skull, sometimes dropping onto his brain stem. The extent of his brain sag (spontaneous intracranial hypotension) is extremely rare and is caused by a cerebral spinal fluid leak (CSF). The symptoms of this condition are unusual. If Frank sits or stands for over an hour, he has a blinding headache, becomes incoherent, and has nausea. It has also resulted in numerous strokes. If Frank lies down, the blinding headache reduces quickly and he averts the risk of more strokes. The cure is to find and fix the cerebral spinal fluid (CSF) leak. For hard to find leaks, it takes specialized doctors and equipment, not found in Ohio. We found 3 specialists for this condition in the United States.

Frank was diagnosed and initially treated in Ohio at Riverside Methodist Hospital. Their doctors began the medical tests n search of locating the CSF leak. While he was in the hospital, his condition continued to decline. Eventually because of the untreated brain sag, Frank had multiple brain bleeds that required 2 surgeries including one to remove 2 sides of his skull. He also had at least 10 strokes in the midst of this crisis. He was kept alive but the underlying cause of the CSF leak remained a problem.

We went in search of a doctor with the expertise to find and fix the elusive CSF leak. The doctor at Cedars Sinai accepted Frank in his now poor health condition. Because Frank still could not stand or sit for more than hour, we had to travel by medical air transport to Los Angeles, CA.

Since arriving at Cedars Sinai, there have been many tests but the good news is the CSF leaks have been found! Frank will undergo another surgery to repair the CSF leaks along his spine. Then he will return to Columbus for rehabilitation before his 4th surgery to replace the two sides of his skull. What a journey we are on!

This is a journey filled with the loving prayerful support from God, our friends, and family! Combined with the doctors, nurses and medical technology available, we have seen the miracle of Frank’s survival. We are grateful for the gift of knowing the love of Jesus is alive and real even in our darkest moments. The prayers and practical support have been awesome.

Many friends and families have asked us how they can help in a practical way. After prayerful consideration, we decided to start a crowdfunding site to raise money for the medical bills not covered by insurance. For example, the medical air transport out of pocket cost was $21,800.

Thank you for considering monetary support. We are humbled and grateful. Blessings to you and your family!

To make a tax-deductible
donation to this fundraising campaign, click on the Donate Now button.

We have chosen to fundraise with Help Hope Live in part because Help Hope Live assures fiscal accountability of funds raised and tax deductibility to the full extent allowed by law for donors. Donors can be sure that funds donated will be used only to pay or reimburse medically-related expenses.

For more information, please contact Help Hope Live at 800.642.8399.

God has been so faithful during this journey! Thank you for your care and support!