Surgery to save Monty's life...
Donation protected
Many of you don't know this, but my son Monty (aka Bugsy), has been suffering in silence for over 12 years now. He has continued to work while fighting the effects of Hidradenitis Supperative, a rare auto-immune disease that causes painful lesions on the body that do not heal on their own. As you've probably noticed, he's lost over 130 lbs. trying to limit foods that potentially exacerbate his condition. Most recently he underwent a series of expensive infusions (much like chemotherapy), with the hope that it might help. Unfortunately, these treatments were unsuccessful, and they nearly took his life. The specialists at OHSU had given up on helping Monty. They claimed that they had tried everything and there was nothing more they could do for him.
He probably wouldn't want anyone to know this, but a few weeks ago, he collapsed in the parking lot after work and was unable to get up on his own. His pain had gotten quite bad and he had developed a high grade fever from infection. Thankfully, co-workers were there to help. Later that day he sent a text to me saying "Mom, I'm not so tough anymore." It was starting to look like he might lose this battle.
Shortly after this though, a miracle happened...
After years of searching for help on the internet, Monty's amazing wife Amber discovered a doctor in the US who was willing to perform surgery for this rare condition. And what's wonderful...so far, the surgeries this doc. has performed have had a 90% success rate! When she showed Monty what she had found, he watched some of the patient testimonials, and began to cry. Finally, he realized he wasn't alone. More importantly though, it was looking like they might be able to fight this. They called the Dr. immediately, both took a leave of absence from work and drove to LA for a consultation.
The consultation went well, although the Dr. said Monty's case was one of the worst he had ever seen. He needed to be admitted immediately. The next morning (this last Friday), they began the first of a series of 8 painful surgeries that will take place over the next 3 weeks. Once released from the hospital, they are estimating he will have approximately 3 months of recovery, at which point he will return for the last bit of surgery to remove any remaining affected areas. There's no telling how soon he will be able to return to work. With a mortgage to pay, a huge deductible, medical premiums (which he must pay in order to continue care), travel expenses, and no income...it's a lot of added stress on their family. When I told my son that I was going to set up a gofundme account for him to try and help, he responded by saying "mom, I don't want charity." Well sorry Monty, but this time...mom wins!
For those of you who know and love my son...this is a reminder of the life he lives when he's feeling better:
and of course...
A dedicated husband and father of 2 girls. He's also a son, a brother, a grandson, and a friend that would do anything for the people he loves. My prayer for him is that he doesn't have to feel like he might lose everything, while he fights to get his old life back. I need your help to make that happen!
Any and ALL contributions are greatly appreciated. God bless and thank you in advance for your love and support.
Sincerely,
Ramona Gantz (Monty's Mom)
He probably wouldn't want anyone to know this, but a few weeks ago, he collapsed in the parking lot after work and was unable to get up on his own. His pain had gotten quite bad and he had developed a high grade fever from infection. Thankfully, co-workers were there to help. Later that day he sent a text to me saying "Mom, I'm not so tough anymore." It was starting to look like he might lose this battle.
Shortly after this though, a miracle happened...
After years of searching for help on the internet, Monty's amazing wife Amber discovered a doctor in the US who was willing to perform surgery for this rare condition. And what's wonderful...so far, the surgeries this doc. has performed have had a 90% success rate! When she showed Monty what she had found, he watched some of the patient testimonials, and began to cry. Finally, he realized he wasn't alone. More importantly though, it was looking like they might be able to fight this. They called the Dr. immediately, both took a leave of absence from work and drove to LA for a consultation.
The consultation went well, although the Dr. said Monty's case was one of the worst he had ever seen. He needed to be admitted immediately. The next morning (this last Friday), they began the first of a series of 8 painful surgeries that will take place over the next 3 weeks. Once released from the hospital, they are estimating he will have approximately 3 months of recovery, at which point he will return for the last bit of surgery to remove any remaining affected areas. There's no telling how soon he will be able to return to work. With a mortgage to pay, a huge deductible, medical premiums (which he must pay in order to continue care), travel expenses, and no income...it's a lot of added stress on their family. When I told my son that I was going to set up a gofundme account for him to try and help, he responded by saying "mom, I don't want charity." Well sorry Monty, but this time...mom wins!
For those of you who know and love my son...this is a reminder of the life he lives when he's feeling better:
and of course...
A dedicated husband and father of 2 girls. He's also a son, a brother, a grandson, and a friend that would do anything for the people he loves. My prayer for him is that he doesn't have to feel like he might lose everything, while he fights to get his old life back. I need your help to make that happen!
Any and ALL contributions are greatly appreciated. God bless and thank you in advance for your love and support.
Sincerely,
Ramona Gantz (Monty's Mom)
Organizer and beneficiary
Alice Bowen
Organizer
Vancouver, WA
monty houston
Beneficiary
