
Jon Barth's Traumatic Brain Injury Recovery Fund
The family of David Jonathan “Jon” Barth is asking for your SUPPORT and PRAYERS both emotionally and financially as they navigate through this uncertain time.
On July 11th Jon had a fall and suffered a traumatic brain injury. He was rushed to Ascensions Sacred Heart Bay Medical in Panama City to be treated and remains in the ICU in critical condition.
The doctors discovered he had multiple skull fractures and subdural hematomas--life-threatening types of bleeding in the brain and the tissue covering the brain, which are considered to be among the deadliest of all head injuries.
After the initial 72 hours of “wait and see”, the bleeding didn’t stop. On Tuesday July 14th the neurosurgeon inserted an external ventricular drain (a device used to relieve the pressure around his brain). The family was instructed that this device would be left in for 5-7 days allowing fluids to drain.
On Friday, July 17th (and day 5 of the drain) the Neurosurgeon contacted the family informing them that due to spinal fluid leaking from his right ear, she felt it was best to keep the drain in past the estimated 7 days with hopes the laceration would heal itself. The alternative to this would be brain surgery.
Jon received another CT scan on July 21st. The family, along with the neurosurgeon, were hopeful that this CT scan would show that the swelling around his brain had subsided. However, the results they received were not promising.
The amount of swelling on the left side of Jon’s brain was so extensive the neurosurgeon had no other choice than to prepare the family for a possibility of performing emergency brain surgery. This brain surgery could leave him with a speech deficit among other disabilities due to her cutting into part of his frontal and temporal lobes - which have already received damage due to his fall. However, it may be the only option to stop further hemorrhaging and to save his life.
Miraculously, and we strongly believe due to the power of prayer, Jon’s intracranial pressure has stayed below the requirement the neurosurgeon would like to avoid brain surgery. Although his pressure has spiked daily, she has been able to manage this with medications and controlling his temperature.
It has still been (and will be) a day by day decision as to if brain surgery is the best option for saving Jon’s life. Every day has been a challenge. For now, he will stay heavily sedated and closely monitored. The trauma team will need to perform a tracheotomy and feeding tube for the next couple of weeks.
Jon’s wife and family have been with him every day. His wife, Brett, was only allowed in his room the first three days! After that, they wouldn’t allow family in due to COVID-19 protocols. They are now left relying on updates from the doctors and nurses’ multiple times per day.
Due to Jon being under heavy sedation, a neurological exam cannot be performed so his brain function is still unknown at this time. The doctor has prepared the family that with a moderate head injury such as his, there will be disabilities. The future could mean memory loss, reading impairment, speech impairment and reduced motor skills. It’s too hard to tell at this point.
This will be a long road for Jon and his family. Once he has been released from the hospital, Jon will need to be transferred to an inpatient rehabilitation facility. His future needs could require extensive medical care including physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy. Due to the injuries, he will be unable to work for the foreseeable future and cover his medical bills and expenses. We are asking for your help and consideration in helping Jon, Brett and their three children.
Jon is the main provider for his family of five. Now that their lives have been turned upside down, the future is uncertain. Jon was very proud that he was able to build his life from the ground up, sometimes even working multiple jobs to be able to support his family.
Jon is a dedicated husband to his wife, Brett of 12 years, and has three children – Mason (11), Lacey (8) and Alyssa (4). He is the son of David (Linda) Barth and Sarah Beaver-Duff and the big brother to Danielle, Adam and Owen Barth, Victoria DeWitt and Kyle Revou. He is an exceptional grandson, uncle, nephew, cousin and EVEN better friend.
Jon was blessed to inherit an additional family when marrying Brett. He is the son-in-law to Rob and Liz Kraeft and brother-in-law to Robbie, Kesha and Lainey Kraeft.
Full of life and a hard worker, Jon is a true “go getter” in every sense - whether it’s moving his family for better opportunities, starting a new business or making time for family vacations. Those closest to Jon know him as a giver. There isn't anything he wouldn't do for a friend or family member even if it meant he went without. He has a strong loyalty to the ones he cares about and he doesn’t know a stranger.
Jon is an avid Gator fan and bleeds orange and blue. He spent many Saturdays with his family in the stands at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. He also spent his free time coaching his son, Masons baseball team at Lynn Haven Rec Center and Hiland Park. In August, he was planning to coach his daughter Lacey’s softball team in South Port. Whether it be Father/Son camps or school functions, Jon never missed an event to support his children.
Before the accident, Jon’s dream of running his own business came true. He partnered with a close friend and together they were able to create Coastline Professional Services. Jon and Brett also were able to form a family owned wood working business, Emerald Woods.
We are aiming to raise enough funds to cover his recovery expenses, as well as his bills for his business to preserve it for him to get back in action once he heals. Together, we can help relieve the immense burden on Jon, Brett and their family while still keeping his dream alive. Any contribution would be greatly appreciated and would go towards the following expenses:
-To cover the family’s day to day living expenses during recovery so that he doesn’t lose everything he’s worked for.
-To cover Brett’s costs to care for Jon during recovery so she can devote the time and energy needed to care for Jon without jeopardizing their own stability.
-Any physical changes that need to be made to their house to prepare for post rehab recovery, including specialized furniture.
-Long term medical needs, including mental health and trauma treatment as well as PT, OT, and speech therapy.
With Our Gratitude and on Behalf of Jon’s Healing Team,
The Family of Jon Barth