PLEASE HELP our friend Jake Hess
Donation protected
Jake Hess is a man many know and remember from all things sports related. He may have played basketball, football, baseball or wrestled with you in high school. Maybe you knew him from church or the YMCA. You may share a fun memory from riding motorcycles, the beach, diving, waterskiing, fishing or boating. You may know him from Karate, Judo, Aikido, or Jiu Jitsu. He may have coached you or your kids in wrestling. Whatever the memory is, no doubt, it includes his bright blue eyes and giant smile, infectious laughter, and zest for life. If your memory includes a time when you needed a friend, his broad shoulders, big heart and willingness to help is most certainly part of it. This story is about a man who loves his Mama, worships God, honors his wife & family, and needs some help.
On Monday, May 4th, 2020 this otherwise healthy man was admitted to the hospital with an excruciating headache that he’d been battling for weeks. That morning he could not bear it any longer and sought emergency medical care. His wife, Stephanie had never seen him in such pain. After attempting to treat a headache, it became apparent that some diagnostic testing would be necessary. A CT scan of his head was performed and showed an abnormality that needed further imaging. On Wednesday, May 6th, an MRI image of Jake’s brain showed a mass. This was a very rare type of large tumor that was bleeding, pressing on his optic nerves, and causing blurred vision, among other interruptions within his brain. He was in bad shape, and in a place that had not dealt with this type of tumor before. He was unable to effectively communicate, on heavy pain medications, and Stephanie was unable to be at his side to ask questions or comfort him due to hospital restrictions regarding the ongoing pandemic. That was pure torture.
After many phone calls and conferences between doctors and hospitals, on Friday, May 8th, Jake was medically transported to HRMC in Melbourne for further treatment. The Health First hospital is more well-equipped, and fortunate enough to have an excellent Neurosurgeon on staff with extensive experience in treating this type of tumor. At this hospital, Stephanie was able to be at his bedside, at least some comfort there. Surgery would be the only option. A team of 7 doctors would be involved in Jake’s case. His condition declined shortly after admission, needing closer observation and he was moved to the Intensive Care Unit. This tumor was bleeding and wreaking havoc. He was unable to have surgery until his condition was stabilized.
On Wednesday, May 13, Jake had brain surgery to remove the bleeding tumor. Other brain structures were involved, causing some life-threatening complications. He remained in Surgical ICU for very close post-surgical observation, and more tests before he could be deemed stable enough for a regular hospital bed. Thank God, his vision is intact. Finally, Jake was released from the hospital and sent home to heal. He is unable to drive. It is unknown if the entire tumor has been removed, the Neurosurgeons describe the tumor as having the consistency of tapioca pudding, so you can imagine the complexity of a successful removal. Going forward, there will be a need for close outpatient monitoring to include weekly labs, many more doctor visits and life-saving medications. He will likely never be the same again. He will need a medical-alert bracelet in case he is ever in an emergency situation. His condition remains delicate. We are praying for a miracle, and hoping the brain structures affected by this tumor will begin to function again.
Jake and Stephanie are without Health Insurance, and both became unemployed due to the pandemic. If you are able to, and the Spirit moves you to donate, any amount would be greatly appreciated. If you are unable to financially donate, please share and keep Jake and Stephanie and their boys in your thoughts and prayers. Thank you.
On Monday, May 4th, 2020 this otherwise healthy man was admitted to the hospital with an excruciating headache that he’d been battling for weeks. That morning he could not bear it any longer and sought emergency medical care. His wife, Stephanie had never seen him in such pain. After attempting to treat a headache, it became apparent that some diagnostic testing would be necessary. A CT scan of his head was performed and showed an abnormality that needed further imaging. On Wednesday, May 6th, an MRI image of Jake’s brain showed a mass. This was a very rare type of large tumor that was bleeding, pressing on his optic nerves, and causing blurred vision, among other interruptions within his brain. He was in bad shape, and in a place that had not dealt with this type of tumor before. He was unable to effectively communicate, on heavy pain medications, and Stephanie was unable to be at his side to ask questions or comfort him due to hospital restrictions regarding the ongoing pandemic. That was pure torture.
After many phone calls and conferences between doctors and hospitals, on Friday, May 8th, Jake was medically transported to HRMC in Melbourne for further treatment. The Health First hospital is more well-equipped, and fortunate enough to have an excellent Neurosurgeon on staff with extensive experience in treating this type of tumor. At this hospital, Stephanie was able to be at his bedside, at least some comfort there. Surgery would be the only option. A team of 7 doctors would be involved in Jake’s case. His condition declined shortly after admission, needing closer observation and he was moved to the Intensive Care Unit. This tumor was bleeding and wreaking havoc. He was unable to have surgery until his condition was stabilized.
On Wednesday, May 13, Jake had brain surgery to remove the bleeding tumor. Other brain structures were involved, causing some life-threatening complications. He remained in Surgical ICU for very close post-surgical observation, and more tests before he could be deemed stable enough for a regular hospital bed. Thank God, his vision is intact. Finally, Jake was released from the hospital and sent home to heal. He is unable to drive. It is unknown if the entire tumor has been removed, the Neurosurgeons describe the tumor as having the consistency of tapioca pudding, so you can imagine the complexity of a successful removal. Going forward, there will be a need for close outpatient monitoring to include weekly labs, many more doctor visits and life-saving medications. He will likely never be the same again. He will need a medical-alert bracelet in case he is ever in an emergency situation. His condition remains delicate. We are praying for a miracle, and hoping the brain structures affected by this tumor will begin to function again.
Jake and Stephanie are without Health Insurance, and both became unemployed due to the pandemic. If you are able to, and the Spirit moves you to donate, any amount would be greatly appreciated. If you are unable to financially donate, please share and keep Jake and Stephanie and their boys in your thoughts and prayers. Thank you.
Organizer and beneficiary
Taylor Snow
Organizer
Sebastian, FL
Stephanie Hess
Beneficiary