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Help Scott Heal

I have heard it said many different times in many different ways that we (Americans) are but one illness away from financial ruin. It’s sad, but most of us do not understand this until we are in the midst of a crisis. We all prepare the best we can with health insurance, long-term disability, and life insurance to protect our castles we have built and the lifestyle our loved ones have grown accustomed. Unfortunately, the best laid plans often go awry. No one tells you that if you have an illness that extends more than a few weeks that you will be looking at friends and family to help shoulder the burden of your finances until you are well or you have drained them to the point of financial ruin too.

My friend, Scott Cloos, is one of the many people in America to experience such a situation. He was diagnosed with an acoustic neuroma, a benign brain tumor, about three years ago. The doctors advised against surgery due to likely facial paralysis and the tumor’s close proximity to his brain stem. Proton therapy was recommended.  After months of appeals and a second opinion, the insurance company denied proton therapy.  Another form of radiation treatment was used as the next best option and was the best course of action, according to an insurance company, for the advancing symptoms.  

Over the last three years, this man has gotten up and gone to work despite the balance problems, loss of hearing in one ear, extreme headaches, nausea, and numbness of his face. The tumor has started growing again after his one, and only, radiation treatment in 2016. The past two plus years, he and his wife, Marla, have been to numerous doctors, including The Mayo Clinic, looking for answers and a medical miracle. At some point, the tumor will grow to a point where it crushes his brain stem. This of course will result in his demise.

Recently, Scott was referred to an ENT (Ear, Nose, and Throat) surgeon at OU Medical Center that has extensive experience with acoustic neuromas. She, along with her Neurosurgeon associate both agree that they can remove enough of Scott’s tumor to lessen the pressure on his brain stem and hopefully provide some relief, while preserving as much nerve function as possible. This is the miracle they, and everyone that knows them, have been waiting and praying for since his diagnosis.

The surgery is scheduled for Friday, November 9th. Scott will be incapacitated for at least 3-6 months while recovering from the surgery and in rehabilitation to retrain his brain. He will forfeit any remaining hearing in the ear affected by the acoustic neuroma, necessitating new or updated hearing aids, a complete out-of-pocket expense. This recovery and rehab time, which is much needed, is a source of anxiety for Scott. He has medical insurance and a disability plan through work that will help, but neither will cover everything.

I am not asking that a few people give a lot of money, I am asking that a lot of people give a little money to help a dad, husband, brother, friend, stranger in need. He has done everything to avoid being disabled and your gift would help him get back on his feet quickly. People used to come together as a community to support someone in need by providing meals for the family and helping to keep their house in order until they were able to handle their affairs again on their own. I’m asking that you simply gift them enough to buy a meal for two, $25 and share his story. If 100 people respond with a gift that would be great, 250 people would be outstanding!

May God bless the hands of Scott’s surgeons and all of you praying and helping Scott and his family financially through this health crisis.
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Donations 

  • Jim Horta
    • $25 
    • 5 yrs
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Fundraising team: Brandon Morris (3)

Brandon Morris
Organizer
Raised $1,310 from 25 donations
Oklahoma City, OK
Scott Cloos
Beneficiary
Alan Cops
Team member
Jana Flowers Cops
Team member
This team raised $1,625 from 25 other donations.

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