Brain Surgery Relief Fund for "Tank", L. Grim

12 years ago my Dad, Leonard, was diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease and has fought tirelessly against the symptoms of the disease. He is scheduled for his second brain surgery on, February 18, 2019, as the first surgery was less successful than we had hoped. The purpose of this Gofundme is  to help offset the costs of travel, recovery, medical costs not covered by insurance and time off work as my loving Mother will be by his side for the surgery, as will I (no raised money will go towards my travel). In 2016 Leonard underwent DBS-Deep Brain Stimulation surgery. This procedure places one electrode in the left side of his brain and one in the right side of his brain with wires running under his skin to the left side of his chest where a battery pack is installed. Once turned on, the battery sends electrical pulses to the electrodes in his brain and the battery pack needs to be changed every four years. This is a 10-12 hour brain surgery in which he will be under anesthesia.  Research shows that having the electrodes placed while the patient is asleep, rather than when he is awake, provides the best, long term results. The purpose of the surgery is to lessen the symptoms of Parkinson's. Some of the symptoms for someone 12 years diagnosed include tremors, extreme fatigue, difficulty speaking, slow shuffling gait, falling, freezing in small spaces and difficulty with coordination. My Dad has been fighting these symptoms with all his might for the past 12 years. He currently does and has been doing kickboxing, 1-3 hour cross training work outs at the gym, running on the treadmill and a Parkinson's Rock Steady class multiple times per week. He is doing everything he can to slow down the progression of the disease and minimize his intake of medicine. Even with all he is doing and has done, this surgery is necessary for him to continue on. Please join me in prayer, support and if you are able, financial support of my Dad in this journey to fight Parkinson's. He has grandchildren, godchildren, children and a church family that need him and love him. He is the toughest man I know- that's why we call him Tank- and I need your help to keep him going.