
Help James Cowman Recover From Encephalitis and Stroke
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Hello and thank you for looking at my GoFundMe. I am a 28-year-old who had encephalitis (brain infection) resulting in a coma, emergency neurosurgery, and 2 strokes. I am very lucky to be alive.
Initially, the infection left me completely paralyzed on my left side with a feeding tube because I was unable to swallow. After a month in intensive care, I spent 6 months at a rehabilitation hospital where I became stronger and learned to swallow, speak, and eventually (with a lot of help from therapists) started to move my left leg. Now, I spend 5 days a week in therapy at a rehabilitation clinic. Although my illness has been a struggle, I work hard to improve and now walk with a cane. This surprised most of my physicians who thought that I would never walk.
While my left arm is still not functional, my fingers and wrist have begun to move with concentration. I diligently work to strengthen both my muscles and the connection between my brain and arm. I am requesting financial help with medical expenses which are very high and will continue for a significant time. Especially, I ask for aid to purchase technologies and equipment that will help me regain use of my arm. With therapy and hard work, I am confident that I have the strength and endurance to recover. I would like to use my experience of these trying times to help others undergoing similar hardships.
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Organizer
James Cowman
Organizer
Malibu, CA