Restoration Hardware for Ben
Donation protected
As most friends and family know, my brother Ben, at (35 years old) was diagnosed with Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia in June of 2014, a slow-progressing leukemia associated with a specific genetic abnormality in the leukemia cell, called the Philadelphia chromosome.
Unbeknownst to Ben, he was battling and enduring a Leukemia that was affecting his work life and personal life for years as it had manifested in his brain, affecting his cognitive and decision making abilities.
He was admitted to the ER this past summer as a result of symptoms that finally overwhelmed him and dibilitated his sensory and ability to function normal tasks and daily living.
On admittance day to the ER, Ben was overcome with hallucinations, hearing loss, vision loss along with deep inner ear pain.
By day 2 of ICU, Ben lost his hearing completely.
There are a few theories by his medical team, one of which is that his blood had so coagulated in the veins that the organs that needed ogygeneated blood (ie brain, eyes, ears, kidneys) did not recieve it properly, due to the leukemia. This leukemia manifested in his brain and the lining of his brain was also abnormally swollen.
The aggressive treatment plan of the medical team over his 7 1/2 week hospital stay, required chemo through the spine, to be delivered to the brain which is on a seperate blood supply than the rest of the body. Ben underwent agressive doses of oral chemo and through the spine. Ben also underwent spinal taps to verify via spinal fluid that the chemo was doing it's job.
Currently, Ben's blood is in remission. Though the effects of the Leukemia remain.
Ben was essentially homeless at the time of diagnosis.
The goal is, once Bens medical treatment plan is organized and therapy in place for the neurological affects, he will live independently (he's been with me since discharge) and enroll in school until he is able (if able) to make a living again where his passion for computer science is.
As it stands now, because of the cognitive affects of the Leukemia and the acute hearing loss, he will not be working and is unable.
The Leukemia went through his brain like a ballerina dancing on whichever pathways she chose. Ben's mouth works just fine and will debate this, however observation tells otherwise.
We will wait until further review with a Neurologist at an upcoming appointment, for the course of action or therapy if any.
With the donations received, the immediate intention is that Ben will be able to purchase hearing aids that are not covered by insurance. Each hearing aid is $1400. Any additional donations will be used towards independant living once he is able and education expenses as well as day to day living.
As Ben's sister, my hope is for Ben to be made a whole person and be his own man again. Without a doubt the love from his friends and family will get him there.
Thank you always, for your thoughts, love and prayers as he's battled this battle and won so far.
Unbeknownst to Ben, he was battling and enduring a Leukemia that was affecting his work life and personal life for years as it had manifested in his brain, affecting his cognitive and decision making abilities.
He was admitted to the ER this past summer as a result of symptoms that finally overwhelmed him and dibilitated his sensory and ability to function normal tasks and daily living.
On admittance day to the ER, Ben was overcome with hallucinations, hearing loss, vision loss along with deep inner ear pain.
By day 2 of ICU, Ben lost his hearing completely.
There are a few theories by his medical team, one of which is that his blood had so coagulated in the veins that the organs that needed ogygeneated blood (ie brain, eyes, ears, kidneys) did not recieve it properly, due to the leukemia. This leukemia manifested in his brain and the lining of his brain was also abnormally swollen.
The aggressive treatment plan of the medical team over his 7 1/2 week hospital stay, required chemo through the spine, to be delivered to the brain which is on a seperate blood supply than the rest of the body. Ben underwent agressive doses of oral chemo and through the spine. Ben also underwent spinal taps to verify via spinal fluid that the chemo was doing it's job.
Currently, Ben's blood is in remission. Though the effects of the Leukemia remain.
Ben was essentially homeless at the time of diagnosis.
The goal is, once Bens medical treatment plan is organized and therapy in place for the neurological affects, he will live independently (he's been with me since discharge) and enroll in school until he is able (if able) to make a living again where his passion for computer science is.
As it stands now, because of the cognitive affects of the Leukemia and the acute hearing loss, he will not be working and is unable.
The Leukemia went through his brain like a ballerina dancing on whichever pathways she chose. Ben's mouth works just fine and will debate this, however observation tells otherwise.
We will wait until further review with a Neurologist at an upcoming appointment, for the course of action or therapy if any.
With the donations received, the immediate intention is that Ben will be able to purchase hearing aids that are not covered by insurance. Each hearing aid is $1400. Any additional donations will be used towards independant living once he is able and education expenses as well as day to day living.
As Ben's sister, my hope is for Ben to be made a whole person and be his own man again. Without a doubt the love from his friends and family will get him there.
Thank you always, for your thoughts, love and prayers as he's battled this battle and won so far.
Organizer
Naomi Preston
Organizer
Miami, FL
