Help Steve get the Surgery he Needs

Let's talk about my dad for a minute. If you're reading this and you've met him you know what a bright spot he is to this world. You probably know about his health history too, but it's not something he dwells on or complains about ever, in fact, he's a bit of a legend at UNMH and he sure is proud of that. He's gone through more brain surgeries and rounds of radiation in the last 11 years than I can even count. In that time, he's not once complained or even worried about what he was going through. He wears his scars proudly.

He shows up every time he's asked. He's been a mentor and coach to every player who has gone through the Volcano Vista Baseball program, not missing a season even when he had to wear a helmet because he didn't have a skull to protect his brain. He loves his family fiercely especially his two grandkids, my kids. They know his love because he shows up for them even when he isn't feeling his best, in fact, he shows up for everyone even when he's not feeling his best with a big smile on his face.

Below is his medical journey for those of you who don't know it...

My dad, Steve had surgery and radiation for a very large meningioma (benign brain

tumor) in January of 2010. He subsequently suffered from meningitis to his “plates” in his head and had them removed for 4 months and replaced.

Over the years, these aggressive tumors have recurred, growing into both of his jugular veins resulting in the removal of these critical pathways for blood flow to and from his brain.

Overall he has had 6 brain surgeries, 30-day radiation, and 2 focused gamma knife radiation treatments. Amazingly, he is basically “normal” and not disabled. He has fatigue, dizziness when he bends over and sometimes has a feeling of pressure in his head. There aren’t many other treatments for this type of tumor… removal and/or radiation are his only options.

In March of this year, my dad began coaching baseball again and started feeling bad with some

noticeable swelling near the plates in his head. He got an MRI and unfortunately, two fast-growing tumors are back (grown 8mm since March) one of the tumors is 1 cm from the brainstem, which would cause significant damage, so he needs immediate action. Radiation is becoming riskier due to the high levels he has already received, so he consulted a physician at Jon Hopkins Hospital who believes the best course of action is to receive another procedure there at John Hopkins.

My dad's positivity and his wife, Terri’s watchful ICU nurse eye have kept us all optimistic, grateful, and living every moment. My dad is lucky to have good health insurance through Terri's work, but he has had to let his financial planning business go due to the demands of all of his health issues through the years.

His procedure is scheduled for November 5, 2021, at John Hopkins in Baltimore. We welcome all prayers, well wishes, and good vibes sent our way! The two of them will need to stay in Baltimore for a few weeks following the surgery. As you know insurance doesn't cover all of the cost of medical bills or the cost of travel. The choice to go to Baltimore is difficult because he knows it's the best chance he has for his health, but it also comes with additional costs and logistics.

It feels weird to ask for money, but we would be so grateful for any support. We would love to offer something back after this is all over with. Maybe a party, maybe a prize. Let us know how you want to celebrate with us when he recovers from this procedure.

Cheers!

Lauren

Below are some words that remind me of my dad. Please add an adjective that you think of in the comments

Funny| Bright| Fiercely Stubborn| Generous| Competitive| The Rolling Stone's Biggest Fan| Mentor