It is hard to believe that is has been a year since Jim Sparks suffered a sudden collapse and cardiac arrest while attending a trade show in Las Vegas.   During the past year, Jim has worked so hard and made a lot of progress toward his recovery, but at this time, he is needing extra help through the healing treatment of hyperbaric oxygen.  I am asking for $10,000 to help fund Jim's Phase 1 treatments.  These treatments will continue healing to his brain injury and maximize recovery.  Any funds above the first $10, 000 will go toward paying for the home unit that will be needed in Phase 2 of Jim's treatment.   Here is his remarkable story: 

What Happened to Jim?
Jim's heart rate dropped extremely low while his blood sugar rose to dangerous levels. He was transported to the hospital where his potassium levels soared, triggering cardiac arrest in the emergency room. After 10 minutes of life saving CPR, his vitals stabilized. Jim's condition was critical, but with his wife, Linda, by his side and prayers from so many friends and family, it was apparent that God was working a miracle for Jim. Jim is a fighter.

A Viral Roadblock
On day 6 of his recovery in the hospital, Jim hit a roadblock to his recovery.  He became very ill with a mysterious virus leading to pneumonia. They did not know what it was at the time, but we now have a pretty good idea what it probably was!  It was definitely another challenge and hurdle for Jim, but remember, Jim is a fighter, and God was still working the miracle for Jim.


Jim Came Home!
Jim came back from cardiac arrest. Jim came back from pneumonia. and the virus that threatened to take his life. Jim came back home to Tucson after spending 31 days in the hospital in Las Vegas. Linda took on his complete care, including all his daily needs and feedings via feeding tube. She has been proactively leading his care team since day one and is committed to helping Jim achieve continued levels of strength and independence. Jim has fought so hard and has made so much progress now he needs help.

Jim rides his stationary bike 1-2 times per day, uses his hand weights, and taking walks with his wife, Linda.

During the Past Year of Recovery and Healing 
It has been one year since Jim's health crisis. Although he has made great progress, he is still suffering with extreme vision impairment, serious dizziness that compromises his balance, and some challenges with his walking and hand dexterity. His lingering problems all seem to be neurological in nature stemming from 2 small stroke spots, the unmeasurable oxygen deprivation that may have occurred during the cardiac arrest, plus, the complications from the virus attack. Linda has faithfully and tirelessly exhausted all treatments available. There are no traditional medical treatments left.

Hope Through HBOT
But, there is another option. Jim's recovery can continue through Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT). It is Jim’s best chance at improved brain function and the restoration of his vision. Dr. Carol Hendricks of northstarhbot.com has been on the cutting edge of this non-traditional therapy for a number of years. She has successfully treated many, including some of our veterans who have sustained traumatic brain injury. After her assessment of Jim's injury, she is very hopeful that he can continue to heal with HBOT.

What Is HBOT?
Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) is treatment with 100% oxygen under pressure to promote healing and is a highly effective therapy treatment that helps maximize recovery and relief from many conditions. Oxygen flow stimulates the body’s own natural healing processes and releases stem cells from the bone marrow. Over time, HBOT heals the brain!

Here is the Hyperbaric Chamber where Jim will be receiving his first 60 Hours of HBOT during Phase 1

2 Phases of Treatment
It might seem strange, but the best thing we can do now for Jim’s recovery from brain injury is… turn up the pressure! Yes, the pressure…as in putting him into the hyperbaric chamber. His treatment will be a two phase approach.   During the 1st Phase, Jim will spend 60 hours of HBOT in this large chamber housed at Northstar Hyperbaric in Tucson.  Later on during Phase 2, Jim will be receiving some ongoing treatments in a home-based HBOT chamber for ongoing, lower pressure therapy sessions. Jim’s type of brain injury often continues for a period of months or years as the brain and body continues to heal and create new neuro pathways.

Here is a home chamber like the one Jim will need for ongoing treatments in Phase 2 of his HBOT.

 It’s pricey and unfortunately, it’s also not covered by any insurance which means this critical therapy is going to be 100% out of pocket. This new out of pocket therapy comes on top of thousands of dollars in hospital bills from the original crisis in January 2020 and lots of out of pocket medical and living expenses that have already stretched the family budget to the max. But do you remember that...

JIM IS A FIGHTER and with your help, you can help him fight!  Through giving to Jim's treatment, you will be a part of the miracle for Jim and Linda.

Here is Jim and his dog, Bella, during pool therapy.  I'm pretty sure that Jim is doing all the work! 

*All donations through this giving campaign will go to pay for Jim's HBOT treatments.
*All donations come with the guarantee that Jim will continue to work hard at recovery.
*All donations come with the promise that you have chosen to give to a FIGHTER, a fighter that God is not finished with yet.

Thank You for your consideration!
Your support means so very much to Jim and Linda!