Cody Comer’s Journey Back

Hello, my name is Ann Comer. I am Cody Comer’s Mom. When Cody was born he had craniosynostosis. It meant that the bones in his head were already fused and did not allow room for growth. It took us 6 months to find a Dr that could tell us what it was and help us get treatment. So at 8 months old, Cody had surgery to open the bones on the top of his head and allow room to let his brain grow. We were told at that time, because of his age and the pressure, they were not positive of the outcome, but with the trials of some learning difficulties.  He grew up, went to school, and eventually on to college. He graduated from Western Illinois University in 2010. He eventually found a job in logistics that he was very good at. He was a very hard worker and didn’t like taking time off.

On May 30, 2023 he got up to get ready for work and he collapsed in his bathroom. He was not home alone and his roommate helped him up and got him into the bedroom.  When she came back into the bedroom she discovered he was having a seizure.   He had 4 seizures in less than an hour. One was in the ambulance.  On arrival at the hospital, he went into cardiac arrest. Cody arrested twice for a total of 15 minutes. Cody had never had a seizure in his life prior to this day and has not had any seizure activity since. That’s what makes this so difficult. We have so many questions and they have no answers.

Cody was taken to Trinity Hospital in Rock Island on May 30.  He was  transferred to OSF St. Francis in Peoria. On June 7th an MRI was performed that showed extensive brain damage.  We were told the damage caused loss of both motor skills and cognitive skills. We weren't ready to give up. We had seen signs that Cody was still there,  so they placed a trach to help protect his airway and placed a PEG feeding tube. He suffered from posturing, tremors, and then spasticity.  On July 3rd, he was transferred to an LTACH with OSF where he continued to be mostly unresponsive, especially in the eyes of the hospital staff and doctors. Our plan was to bring him home to care for him, but then we learned of a brain injury rehab center in Iowa called On With Life. Cody was transferred here on July 31.

Cody woke up at On With Life.  He became vocal.  He made progress here, but we are reminded that it will take time. Cody stayed at On With Life until Nov 4 2023.  At that time he came home with us.  He requires 24 hour care.  He is dependent on us for everything.  Since being home Cody has received some in home therapy.  But now we are going to Coralville Iowa for out patient therapy at On With Life.  Insurance will only allow 2 to 4  treatments per month and Cody needs more.  So that’s why we are asking for help.  we would like to take Cody  2 to 3 times a week.  It will cost about $250 per session.   

 We don't know what the future holds for Cody.  But he can wiggle his toes.  He still has a sense of humor.   We appreciate your love, prayers, vibes, and support for him while he continues to heal and show us what he can do.

We have a Facebook page set up to follow Cody. It is Cody Comer’s Journey 

If anyone would rather donate through Venmo please send to @annienet2003 with the subject "Cody"