Dear friends and family,

We are reaching out to ask for your support during a difficult time for our beloved Stephen and Summer.

Stephen, Chief of Security at Columbia International University and a retired law enforcement officer, suffered from a serious fall and sustained a head injury on Friday, July 18, while at work. Prior to his fall, he had been gradually losing his ability to walk over a three week period. Summer rushed him to the emergency room.

Doctors ordered a CT scan and an MRI which showed he had a large colloidal mass in his brain that was blocking the flow of cerebral spinal fluid, leading to hydrocephalus and dangerous intracranial pressure. Stephen was then immediately transported by ambulance to the nearest Level 1 trauma center for emergency brain surgery.

Neurosurgeons were able to remove the entire mass. However, Stephen has a long road to recovery, ranging from 3 to 6 months or longer. The plan is to stabilize him in the neuro ICU, then move to a step-down unit of the hospital. Once the neurosurgeons feel he is ready, he will then be transferred to a nursing rehabilitation facility. During this time, he will need physical therapy and speech therapy to help him walk and speak properly again.

Even after his recovery, Stephen will require ongoing neurological monitoring, as this type of mass can sometimes return.

During this time, Stephen will be out of work, and his wife Summer—who works for the State of South Carolina and is a part-time professor of criminology at Newberry College—will be Stephen's primary caregiver.

We are raising funds to help cover:

Every donation, no matter how small, makes a difference. If you’re unable to give, please consider sharing this campaign with others who may be able to help.

From the bottom of our hearts—thank you for your support, encouragement, and prayers. Stephen is a fighter, and with the help of this community, we know he will be able to fully recover.

With Gratitude,

The Family of Stephen and Summer