
Back from the Fog of Concussion - David's Story
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August 24, 2017 was the day that changed Pastor David’s life. Leaning in to put something into the back seat of his car, David misjudged the distance due to a depth-perception problem with his eyes, and he hit the top of his head on the doorframe resulting in a severe concussion. That began a three-year journey of doctors, neurologists, tests, tests, and more tests and he was diagnosed with Post-Concussion Syndrome or PCS. He had nerve blocks into his head, shots into his skull, and other intense therapies which left him with staggering migraines 24/7. Through it all, he maintained a strength and perseverance as he continued pastoring and began working a second job in the summer of 2019.
Then December 1, 2020, he slipped on an icy ramp and suffered a non-impact brain injury and concussion. Unfortunately, repeated concussions add to severity of brain injury issues and the length of time to recover. This time, the PCS was worse than before, especially affecting cognitive abilities, speech, balance, and eyesight. He’s been unable to drive or work since December and the symptoms have not eased.
Recently, A friend told David and Gail about Cognitive FX, Cognitive FX website , which is a clinic in Utah specializing in PCS and multiple concussion treatment. This is the only clinic like this in the US. After a rigorous application and interview process David has been approved for treatment and has a bed date of April 12th. The doctors at Cognitive FX say that Pastor David is an ideal candidate for their treatment and that with a good deal of hard work they are optimistic that he will regain 75% of his cognitive abilities which were taken from him in the accident. The treatment is very intensive with 6-8 hours of therapy every day and at least two detailed brain scans. They anticipate he'll need more than a weeks worth of treatment due to the severity of his headaches. David and Gail had to put down a $500.00 deposit just to hold his appointment, it will cost $12,000.00 for a week of treatment plus the extra days required and then there's food, a rental car, and lodging.
Without this treatment, David's only hope of ever being able to work again is a miracle. As a pastor, he gave tirelessly to 1,000's of people for over 20 years. Pastor David has lived by the principle of being ridiculously generous and trying to out give God. Please join us in giving back to a wonderful man who's given to so many. Let's help him get back on his feet, supporting his wife, and be the man we all know and love again! Please pray for them on their journey and share this freely to help us show tangible love and support for Pastor David and Gail.
Then December 1, 2020, he slipped on an icy ramp and suffered a non-impact brain injury and concussion. Unfortunately, repeated concussions add to severity of brain injury issues and the length of time to recover. This time, the PCS was worse than before, especially affecting cognitive abilities, speech, balance, and eyesight. He’s been unable to drive or work since December and the symptoms have not eased.
Recently, A friend told David and Gail about Cognitive FX, Cognitive FX website , which is a clinic in Utah specializing in PCS and multiple concussion treatment. This is the only clinic like this in the US. After a rigorous application and interview process David has been approved for treatment and has a bed date of April 12th. The doctors at Cognitive FX say that Pastor David is an ideal candidate for their treatment and that with a good deal of hard work they are optimistic that he will regain 75% of his cognitive abilities which were taken from him in the accident. The treatment is very intensive with 6-8 hours of therapy every day and at least two detailed brain scans. They anticipate he'll need more than a weeks worth of treatment due to the severity of his headaches. David and Gail had to put down a $500.00 deposit just to hold his appointment, it will cost $12,000.00 for a week of treatment plus the extra days required and then there's food, a rental car, and lodging.
Without this treatment, David's only hope of ever being able to work again is a miracle. As a pastor, he gave tirelessly to 1,000's of people for over 20 years. Pastor David has lived by the principle of being ridiculously generous and trying to out give God. Please join us in giving back to a wonderful man who's given to so many. Let's help him get back on his feet, supporting his wife, and be the man we all know and love again! Please pray for them on their journey and share this freely to help us show tangible love and support for Pastor David and Gail.
Organizer and beneficiary
Jennifer Cummins
Organizer
Birch Bay, WA
Gail Riddle
Beneficiary