Benefit in Memory of Jim Nemitz
Donation protected
Jim Nemitz was diagnosed with Squamous Cell cancer in 2003, when he lost his left eye and sinus- his optic nerve was wrapped around the tumor. After his surgery at the Mayo Clinic, Jim had rounds of chemotherapy and radiation at M.D. Anderson in Houston. He had to give up his dental practice, forcing him to remain on disability, as the illness rendered him unable to work for 12 years.
Early this year, Jim suffered a Pontine stroke, which affected both the right and left sides of his brain, leaving him unable to speak or move. Referred to as "Locked In Syndrome", Jim could hear and comprehend, but was unable to answer. His only ability to communicate was to nod his head slightly to "yes" and "no" questions.
Because Jim lost his sinus, he battled pneumonia 7 times, and had to be rushed to the hospital repeatedly. It soon became evident that in-home care was the only option left for Jim- recovery was no longer in sight. At home, Jim could receive help from personal caregivers, and could use a wheelchair with access to a lift. Jim had to be suctioned frequently through his trachea to keep fluids from building up, which was the cause of his repeated bouts of pnuemonia. His caregivers took excellent care of his hygiene, and even helped him with limited exercise.
This type of specialized care was not provided to Jim in a hospital setting or any long term care facility. It was not covered by any insurance, and resulted in out-of-pocket costs exceeding $1,000.00 per week.
On September 16th, 2014, after a very long, difficult, and courageous battle, Jim's body gave out. The prolonged illness no only ravaged Jim's health, but also left enormous amounts of medical expenses to pay.
Jan Nemitz has been an institution of Friendswood High School and the Friendswood community for years, having taught many of the city's children. Her dedicated work and spirit provided the youth of our town with creative enjoyment, personal expression, and for some, the path for their future.
Please give back by helping Jan with the mountainous medical expenses she now faces, either through this page, or by participating in the Chalk Walk, taking place in front of Friendswood Frame and Gallery on October 18th, 2014.
Early this year, Jim suffered a Pontine stroke, which affected both the right and left sides of his brain, leaving him unable to speak or move. Referred to as "Locked In Syndrome", Jim could hear and comprehend, but was unable to answer. His only ability to communicate was to nod his head slightly to "yes" and "no" questions.
Because Jim lost his sinus, he battled pneumonia 7 times, and had to be rushed to the hospital repeatedly. It soon became evident that in-home care was the only option left for Jim- recovery was no longer in sight. At home, Jim could receive help from personal caregivers, and could use a wheelchair with access to a lift. Jim had to be suctioned frequently through his trachea to keep fluids from building up, which was the cause of his repeated bouts of pnuemonia. His caregivers took excellent care of his hygiene, and even helped him with limited exercise.
This type of specialized care was not provided to Jim in a hospital setting or any long term care facility. It was not covered by any insurance, and resulted in out-of-pocket costs exceeding $1,000.00 per week.
On September 16th, 2014, after a very long, difficult, and courageous battle, Jim's body gave out. The prolonged illness no only ravaged Jim's health, but also left enormous amounts of medical expenses to pay.
Jan Nemitz has been an institution of Friendswood High School and the Friendswood community for years, having taught many of the city's children. Her dedicated work and spirit provided the youth of our town with creative enjoyment, personal expression, and for some, the path for their future.
Please give back by helping Jan with the mountainous medical expenses she now faces, either through this page, or by participating in the Chalk Walk, taking place in front of Friendswood Frame and Gallery on October 18th, 2014.
Organizer
Sarah Ansell
Organizer
Friendswood, TX
