Morgans Fight Against Epilepsy
Donation protected
You learn just how long 30 seconds really is when you are watching someone you love have a seizure.
My spouse Morgan experiences a seizure about once every seven to ten days. His epilepsy is unpredictable, it can happen at any time, in any place often without much warning and can be life threatening. But he didn’t always have epilepsy. For those of you who don’t know, this is Morgan’s story.
About 15 years ago in his early-twenties, Morgan became ill with a viral infection which caused swelling in his brain (Encephalitis). He had his first ever bout with seizures, one of which would not stop and the only option the doctors had was to induce a coma. After multiple efforts in the ICU, Morgan’s loved ones were told to start saying their goodbyes because he may not make it. After about four weeks Morgan miraculously woke up. Unfortunately he would never be the same again. He struggled with a great deal of memory loss and was left with a debilitating seizure disorder. Ever since he has tried every medication available, seen many doctors, undergone every test possible yet is unable to control his seizures.
About 4 years ago temporal lobe recession surgery became an option; Morgan bravely endured his first open brain surgery in hope to be seizure free. After surgery Morgan was placed in the ICU yet again, after a very scary twenty four hours he started his long recovery. He suffered cognitive and physical issues and worked hard with an occupational and physical therapist but was still unable to work. It was quickly discovered the procedure didn’t work and he would have to undergo a second brain surgery within the next year. With great disappointment the second surgery did not work and his seizures became more frequent and aggressive then ever before.
Morgan continued to fight and when we thought there were no other options his new neurologist recommended he go to Montreal to see a board of neuro surgeons/specialists. With top of the line equipment these doctors can offer a surgery that is a less invasive and that has been successful in similar cases. We were told this specific procedure is only offered in three cities across North America, and it could take months to hear back if they would even accept him as a patient. We waited and hoped that he would be given this opportunity. Eight months later he received word that they accepting his case and to come to Montreal for testing and possibly surgery.
In June 2017 Morgan headed out with his father as his chaperone. With Morgan’s condition it can be unsafe for him to be alone especially when traveling. The doctors have requested a family member be present during travel and during the procedures/testing to help aid in his care. Morgan’s father George has been so kind to take time off work to help him travel and undergo these tests.
After four difficult weeks being strapped to a bed with wires in his head, inducing multiple seizures, round one of testing was completed. Unfortunately the test didn’t show enough information needed to continue into surgery and they were told they would need to come back in the fall for a more invasive test. This test would take another four to six weeks and involves electrodes being surgically implanted into the brain to monitor induced seizures. The goal is to narrow down the starting point of the seizures and hopefully a cauterization surgery can be performed to block the damaged cells and decrease, if not fully eliminate the seizure activity.
Though we have been told that B.C. healthcare will cover the cost of the testing and procedures they will not cover the cost of travel and accommodations for Morgan or his father. We are hoping to get donations to help cover the travel cost for both Morgan and his father George to travel from Vancouver to Montreal. The last trip ended up costing Morgan and George almost $7,000 for four weeks and the next trip is estimated to be four to six weeks with a possible third trip for surgery. All proceeds will be given to Morgan and his father to cover the expenses for both trips from Vancouver to Mobtreal.
We all love Morgan dearly and want him to have the opportunity to keep on fighting towards living a seizure free life. No one should ever be in debt due to their health or that of their family members. Morgan is an amazing son, uncle, brother, spouse and great friend to so many. He has shown such strength and character throughout all of this and continues to stay so positive. No matter how difficult things have gotten Morgan is always trying to put a smile on everyone else’s face even when he is lying in a hospital bed so let’s all put a smile on his face and show him our support in his fight against epilepsy.
On behalf of Morgan, his family and myself, thank you for all the kind words, generosity, love and support.
My spouse Morgan experiences a seizure about once every seven to ten days. His epilepsy is unpredictable, it can happen at any time, in any place often without much warning and can be life threatening. But he didn’t always have epilepsy. For those of you who don’t know, this is Morgan’s story.
About 15 years ago in his early-twenties, Morgan became ill with a viral infection which caused swelling in his brain (Encephalitis). He had his first ever bout with seizures, one of which would not stop and the only option the doctors had was to induce a coma. After multiple efforts in the ICU, Morgan’s loved ones were told to start saying their goodbyes because he may not make it. After about four weeks Morgan miraculously woke up. Unfortunately he would never be the same again. He struggled with a great deal of memory loss and was left with a debilitating seizure disorder. Ever since he has tried every medication available, seen many doctors, undergone every test possible yet is unable to control his seizures.
About 4 years ago temporal lobe recession surgery became an option; Morgan bravely endured his first open brain surgery in hope to be seizure free. After surgery Morgan was placed in the ICU yet again, after a very scary twenty four hours he started his long recovery. He suffered cognitive and physical issues and worked hard with an occupational and physical therapist but was still unable to work. It was quickly discovered the procedure didn’t work and he would have to undergo a second brain surgery within the next year. With great disappointment the second surgery did not work and his seizures became more frequent and aggressive then ever before.
Morgan continued to fight and when we thought there were no other options his new neurologist recommended he go to Montreal to see a board of neuro surgeons/specialists. With top of the line equipment these doctors can offer a surgery that is a less invasive and that has been successful in similar cases. We were told this specific procedure is only offered in three cities across North America, and it could take months to hear back if they would even accept him as a patient. We waited and hoped that he would be given this opportunity. Eight months later he received word that they accepting his case and to come to Montreal for testing and possibly surgery.
In June 2017 Morgan headed out with his father as his chaperone. With Morgan’s condition it can be unsafe for him to be alone especially when traveling. The doctors have requested a family member be present during travel and during the procedures/testing to help aid in his care. Morgan’s father George has been so kind to take time off work to help him travel and undergo these tests.
After four difficult weeks being strapped to a bed with wires in his head, inducing multiple seizures, round one of testing was completed. Unfortunately the test didn’t show enough information needed to continue into surgery and they were told they would need to come back in the fall for a more invasive test. This test would take another four to six weeks and involves electrodes being surgically implanted into the brain to monitor induced seizures. The goal is to narrow down the starting point of the seizures and hopefully a cauterization surgery can be performed to block the damaged cells and decrease, if not fully eliminate the seizure activity.
Though we have been told that B.C. healthcare will cover the cost of the testing and procedures they will not cover the cost of travel and accommodations for Morgan or his father. We are hoping to get donations to help cover the travel cost for both Morgan and his father George to travel from Vancouver to Montreal. The last trip ended up costing Morgan and George almost $7,000 for four weeks and the next trip is estimated to be four to six weeks with a possible third trip for surgery. All proceeds will be given to Morgan and his father to cover the expenses for both trips from Vancouver to Mobtreal.
We all love Morgan dearly and want him to have the opportunity to keep on fighting towards living a seizure free life. No one should ever be in debt due to their health or that of their family members. Morgan is an amazing son, uncle, brother, spouse and great friend to so many. He has shown such strength and character throughout all of this and continues to stay so positive. No matter how difficult things have gotten Morgan is always trying to put a smile on everyone else’s face even when he is lying in a hospital bed so let’s all put a smile on his face and show him our support in his fight against epilepsy.
On behalf of Morgan, his family and myself, thank you for all the kind words, generosity, love and support.
Organizer
Deborah May
Organizer
Burnaby, BC
