Help @OptimusCode Fight and Recover

Optimus Code is a lead software engineer by day, and an avid video gamer and football enthusiasts by night. He spends time joining gaming podcasts, Twitter spaces, talking about video games on YouTube and even designed our basement to match his beloved PS5 last year (even though he owns/play every game system.) Unfortunately, Code no longer actively participates in any of these things that he loves since his health problems that developed quickly in early November.

Code clearly explained having sporadic vocabulary problems to me and a physician on 10/21/2021. 11/03/21 he had all the signs of Aphasia. By 11/18/21, Code's sentences rarely made sense & often included made-up words. He was no longer able to correct his word choices. During his battle with word loss, Code also developed optical problems that rendered him unable to look at his monitors. He sees images in triplicate and complains that objects, especially letters, move when he tries to look at them.

We've been to the ER 3 times this month. We've had multiple consults with therapists, physicians and optometrists. Thus far, we have no diagnosis. At the 2nd ER visit, we were told he had symptoms of a small stroke and that with therapy and language exercises Code would improve. However, even though he has been working diligently on these exercises, the exact opposite has happened. We continue to look for answers and a treatment.

Our current medical bills after health insurance deductions stand at $11K+ and rising as we start speech therapy this week and conduct even more tests to ferret out a diagnosis. I don't know what the upcoming neurologist and ophthalmologist expenses will be.

At this time, I'm not only worried about my partner but also our family's financial future with our greatly decreased income and growing medical expenses. Code was the primary provider for our household of four; he has been unable to work since 11/04/21. I too am missing time from work to ensure Code makes every appointment and I work on finding the right medical attention for Code.

A week or so ago Code had me explain his health situation in a Twitter space to what I thought was a few (12) of his internet cohorts. I was awed and moved by the warm reception he received and the support he was shown. I was also shocked to learn later that over 400 gamers attended the impromptu address. Many individuals asked how could they help Code get through this difficult time and offered their support.

In light of this, I'm asking for help from his friends and the community at large. It has been hard for me to make this request but this is so unexpected that we don't have a choice. While I am being a rock for Code, I have to maintain our household and I have 2 teenagers relying on me to keep everything together. I plan on utilizing whatever funds are donated to Code to pay down his medical expenses and keep us afloat while he is unable to work. Thank you for your consideration.

Even if you can not contribute financially, please share this on whatever social media platforms you use so we can get the word out. Please pray for Code as well.

Thank you all from the bottom of our collective hearts.