Help Jason Through Life-Saving Brain Surgery & Recovery

Dear friends, family, and strangers,

My name is Mason, and I’m reaching out to share the journey my best friend and life partner, Jason, is facing. Jason has been bravely battling medically refractory epilepsy for over a year now, and they are scheduled for crucial brain surgery to biopsy a lesion in their left temporal lobe, which may be a glioma—a type of brain tumor. This surgery represents not just a medical necessity, but a beacon of hope for us, as it holds the potential to finally bring some stability to Jason’s life.

Our lives changed suddenly in May 2023 when Jason had their first seizure. Since then, we’ve navigated a tumultuous road of uncertainty and fear. Despite trying countless medications, Jason still experiences at least one or two grand mal seizures a month, some of which are severely impactful to their long-term well-being. The lesion in their brain is likely the cause, and after months of consultations, tests, MRIs, CTs, PET scans, and sleepless nights, we’ve been told by countless trusted experts at Columbia University Irving Medical Center that surgery is their best path forward.

This surgery will involve at least two weeks of intensive monitoring, a biopsy of the lesion, and potential stimulation of the region to determine the necessity for resection of portions of the amygdala itself. The outcome will shape our future, determining whether more surgery or alternative treatments will be needed. There is a real risk that Jason could experience memory loss as a result of the surgery, but we know this is a necessary step toward gaining control over their seizures and reclaiming their life. If complications are to arise from this procedure, they will be forced to use the remainder of their unpaid FMLA time off.

The Challenge Ahead

This surgery, while necessary, comes at a significant cost—both physically and financially. Jason will need to take at least a month off work for surgery and recovery, and there’s a very real possibility that they won’t be able to work for several months afterward in the event of a second operation. Without this income, Jason is facing a harsh reality: they may not be able to pay rent or cover basic living expenses for December, January, February, and potentially onward. The financial strain on top of the medical stress is overwhelming, and I want to ensure that Jason can focus on healing, not on how they’ll afford rent in New York City.

While the emotional toll of this journey has been heavy, the financial burden is overwhelming. Jason has had six emergency room visits and ambulance rides over the past year. Although their insurance covers a significant portion of these costs, they are still facing $5,000 in medical bills. The reality itself, though, is staggering—their insurance has been billed over $350,000, and we expect the upcoming surgery to add another $2,000 to $3,000 in co-payments.

With Jason out of work for at least a month during their recovery, we’re filled with anxiety about how we’ll cover our essential expenses. This financial strain only adds to the stress we’re both feeling, making it even harder to focus on what truly matters: Jason’s health and well-being.

I want to take a moment to recognize the beautiful, compassionate heart that Jason has. They care deeply about the world around them. Since graduating in 2021, they have worked as a peer specialist at a crisis respite center in the city, supporting others through their most vulnerable moments. In their spare time, they are deeply passionate about organizing for transformative justice and abolition. Their dedication to building a more compassionate, loving world has always been central to their core values and despite their medical condition, has only grown stronger every day.

How You Can Help

We are asking for your help to raise $10,000 to cover Jason’s medical bills ($5,000), living expenses ($3,600), and essential costs ($1,400) while they recover. Every single contribution, no matter how small, will make a world of difference and allow us to focus on Jason’s healing journey instead of being consumed by financial worries.

Your generosity will not only help us keep a stable home while Jason recovers but will also provide us with the peace of mind to face this challenge together. If you can’t donate, sharing our story with your network means the world to us and may lead to the support we need.

Thank you from the bottom of my heart for taking the time to read our story and for standing by us during this challenging chapter. Your support and kindness mean everything to us, and I promise to keep everyone updated on Jason’s surgery and recovery as we navigate this journey together.

With gratitude,

Mason & Jason Bowen

A.M.D.G.