Help Support Jerome’s Rare Autoimmune Disease

Dear friends and family,

On Monday, June 24th, Jerome was admitted to Henry Ford Macomb with pressure behind his eyes and blurred vision. Unfortunately, the doctors have discovered that he has a rare autoimmune disease that is causing him to lose his vision. They are conducting every possible test to find an answer, but so far, his condition has worsened despite multiple spinal taps to relieve some pressure.

As a result, Jerome has been transferred to Henry Ford Detroit for further treatment. He will be undergoing a procedure to have a port placed in his neck and will begin plasma treatments in an effort to regain his vision. The doctors anticipate that he will need to remain in the hospital for at least another two weeks and will still have a long recovery ahead once home.

During this challenging time, our main wish is for Jerome to be able to come home and be reunited with his beautiful family. We are all rallying around him and his loved ones, offering our support and prayers for strength and healing.

Please keep Jerome and his family in your thoughts during this difficult period. Your continued prayers and positive energy are greatly appreciated as we navigate through this tough journey together.

Any donation is greatly appreciated.

Thank you for your prayers and support!

UPDATE:

On Monday, July 1st, Jerome had a port placed in his neck to begin his plasma treatments. He also received his first plasma treatment later that day. He has been on steroids twice a day since Saturday, June 29th. The combined efforts of steroids and treatments are aimed at restoring his vision. On Monday, Jerome experienced a breakthrough – he could see the color blue and some black shapes and outlines of people and objects. Today, July 2nd, he continues to make progress and can perceive more light. Your prayers have been incredibly effective, and we are grateful for your support. We know the road to recovery is going to be long and uncertain. Jerome remains remarkably strong and positive throughout this journey, inspiring all of us!

UPDATE:

Jerome received his 5th and final plasma treatment on July 9th, and his port was removed from his neck a few hours later. He was able to finally go home on July 10th! After 17 long, confusing, and challenging days, he is back with his wife and three beautiful children. We hope that being surrounded by his family will lift his spirits and aid in his recovery.

We have received a diagnosis: Jerome has MOG, an antibody disease that causes inflammation in the nervous system and can lead to optic neuritis.

Jerome's vision is still hindered by this disease but has shown some improvements each day. He has several upcoming appointments with specialists, and we are hopeful that we can get this condition under control and learn more about managing it moving forward.

Your support can make a huge difference in Jerome's journey to recovery. Thank you for continued prayers for Jerome & his family!

UPDATE:

Jerome has been home for about two weeks now. Being surrounded by his children has significantly lifted his spirits. However, his vision remains unchanged since leaving the hospital; it is neither better nor worse. Jerome has been attending numerous appointments to determine the cause and seek potential treatments for his vision issues.

In August, Jerome has several important appointments: one with a neurologist at Henry Ford, another with a neuro-ophthalmologist at the University of Michigan, and yet another neuro-ophthalmologist at Henry Ford. We are hopeful that these specialists can provide answers and strategies to help improve his vision, even if just a little.

He continues to experience swelling behind his eyes. Physically, Jerome has been doing physical therapy and is getting stronger, but mentally, this journey is challenging. We are uncertain when he will be able to return to work, drive, and resume a normal daily routine.

We ask for your continued prayers for Jerome and his family as they navigate this difficult path. Thank you for your unwavering support.