Hello, my name is Crystal, and I am reaching out to share the story of my husband, Jamie. Our journey together has been filled with challenges, but through it all, Jamie has shown incredible resilience in his recovery.

Jamie was diagnosed with a brain tumor at the age of 18, which led to a series of eight brain surgeries over the next 12 years. These surgeries were necessary to address complications such as hydrocephalus and recurrent tumors. Unfortunately, the first surgery resulted in blindness to the left out of both eyes and an infection that left him fighting bacterial meningitis.

As Jamie faced hydrocephalus, and complications with several external shunts leading to another surgery and complications where he contracted viral meningitis.(this time)

In 2005, while trying to prevent a fight, Jamie was assaulted, resulting in a brain bleed and stroke-like symptoms that left him with no proprioception on his left side. To add to his struggles, he suffered a second stroke in 2019 due to the scar tissue on his brain, all by the age of 39!

After his last stroke, Jamie made significant progress with mobility through outpatient physiotherapy and swimming programs, but when Covid-19 hit, those services were abruptly cut off. With the prolonged shutdown, Jamie lost access to the vital support he needed to regain his strength and independence.

This may sound like a story from a movie, but it’s our reality. Since our marriage in 2012, we have navigated these challenges together, raising our wonderful 12-year-old daughter, Reese, who understands her father’s situation and has even sacrificed some of her own activities to help support his recovery.

We are launching this GoFundMe campaign to raise funds for specialized neurophysiotherapy that Jamie desperately needs. This type of therapy is crucial for helping him improve his motor function and balance, but it comes with significant costs that we cannot currently afford. We also aim to acquire equipment for a home physiotherapy gym to aid in his recovery.

Neither Jamie nor I are able to work due to our health issues, and unfortunately, there are no grants or assistance available in Canada for adults requiring this specific type of therapy.

Despite the many challenges Jamie has faced, he maintains a positive outlook and is dedicated to helping others. Through his involvement with the London Brain Injury Association, he has taken on the role of a Peer Support Coordinator, using his experiences to connect with others facing similar struggles.

We are committed to doing everything we can to support Jamie’s recovery and will not give up hope. He is truly a fighter, a loving son, brother, husband, and an incredible father to Reese.

Thank you for taking the time to read our story. Any support you can provide will mean the world to us, and we are forever grateful for your kindness and generosity.