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Tim Barnes Medical Expenses

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If you know Tim Barnes, you know he is a friendly, creative and loving person, who has always engaged with life full-on -- from sports in his youth, to a long and varied music and sound editing career. He’s been a touring percussionist, recording artist, experienced sound editor, owner of a small record label and later a local performing arts venue – and in between an ultra-marathoner and a family man. He married in 2003, and he and his wife Erica Bricking have two boys ages 13 and 15. They moved from New York City to Louisville, KY to be closer to Erica’s family in 2007. 

The reason for this page is to share news that Tim has recently been diagnosed with early onset Alzheimer’s Disease (EOAD). Over the past 2-3 years, his symptoms have become more defined, affecting his ability to recall words and concepts and express himself verbally. He has issues with concentration, using technology, and spatial and simple math problems. After two years of medical testing resulting in an unclear diagnosis, Tim and Erica sought help from the Mayo Clinic. The doctors there believe EOAD is the best fitting diagnosis at this time. 

This is a devastating diagnosis for Tim and his family. If you know anything about Alzheimer’s (or most other dementias), there is currently no cure and treatment options are limited. Additionally, Tim’s history of having Lyme disease, toxic mold exposure, and his pre-existing autoimmune condition (Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis) has further complicated the picture, leading to questions about whether one of those conditions may have played a role.

In the hopes of slowing progression,Tim’s family is exploring therapeutics that may help mitigate (and hopefully lessen) some of his symptoms.These will include simple lifestyle changes (diet, exercise) but plans are to seek newer therapies that, while not yet standard in care for EOAD, may one day be commonplace. Our intention is to not only slow this condition, but to reach for the best and highest outcome, to reverse it. We are simultaneously realistic and hopeful, and have an amazing team collaborating on Tim’s behalf. We hope that our success will in turn inspire and inform others on the Alzheimer’s healing journey.

We have set up this GoFundMe to support Tim and his family on this journey. We know it will be a long path ahead, but with hope, help and determination, this may offer better outcomes. The support will initially be for therapeutics, ongoing testing, coaching and consults (for Lyme Disease, e.g.). It will also support a range of therapies, from supplements and ‘brain training’ Neurofeedback to Infrared Sauna and Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy, as well as cutting edge technology such as VieLight Gamma (currently in a phase 2 trial for Alzheimer’s). Suport  can also go for general family needs, as Tim no longer works in his field and Erica has taken some time off for caregiving. 

Also - and we can’t stress this enough - you can support Tim by just reaching out, sending love, sending art, music, a great playlist (Apple please)… anything! :-)  He would love that!  You can reach Tim directly at [email redacted] and/or Erica at [email redacted]. You can post hellos here on this site, but also Erica has started a page on Caring Bridge, a site that will allow the family to provide updates on Tim’s progress. You can find Caring Bridge here .

A heartfelt thanks for listening, for caring about Tim, and for support of any and all kinds as Tim and his family navigate this new reality!

In Gratitude, 

Cathy & Scott Whelehan
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Donations 

  • Oliver Barber
    • $100 
    • 2 yrs
  • mark maloof
    • $100 
    • 2 yrs
  • Matt Hellmich
    • $30 
    • 2 yrs
  • j chandonnet
    • $100 
    • 2 yrs
  • Will Cameron
    • $250 
    • 2 yrs
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Organizer and beneficiary

Cathy Whelehan
Organizer
Redding, CT
Erica Bricking
Beneficiary

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