Help Support Officer Jim Barrett's Medical Needs

This fundraiser has been created to help raise money for the Barrett family that, in a few short months, have had their whole lives flipped upside down, to say the least, and needs help, love, and prayers! I have had the pleasure of knowing the wife, Becca, for a little over 2 years as we work together training new hires to assist and advocate for members in need with Disabled Veterans Solutions, Inc. In that time, I’ve come to learn the love and passion that she has for outreach and helping those around her in any possible way that she can. The amazing thing is, she’s nothing short of a miracle herself. Diagnosed with Lupus at a young age, she has defied all medical logic and well exceeded her projected life expectancy. She’s raised a family of 4 amazing children who are now grown, with the youngest being in college. In April 2024, her husband Jim, who is a police officer with the Glassport, PA Police Department, was diagnosed with Arteriovenous Malformation (AVM). According to Jim’s medical doctor, with Jim’s particular diagnosis, the only option was for Jim to receive a Gamma Knife Procedure; which is targeted radiation to that area of the brain to scar down and close off the cluster of blood vessels in his brain. If he chose not to have this procedure, it could burst at any time, and would result in deadly consequences. Together, they decided to wait for Jim to have his procedure after Becca could have her life-sustaining back surgeries, that she has annually, which allow her to have a functioning lifestyle. Jim received the procedure on August 22. It took 11 hours from start to finish after complications during the brain mapping process prolonged the procedure and discomfort. Shortly after the procedure, he started experiencing radiation poisoning, and became extremely ill. When he woke up the next day, he suddenly had no use of the entire right side of his body. They immediately contacted the neurosurgeon who advised him to get to the ER as soon as possible. Upon arriving at the ER, testing concluded there was significant brain swelling causing the paralysis, and advised he would be admitted overnight to receive IV steroids/fluids. While waiting for his room, Jim experienced a severe muscle spasm, and the ER doctor misdiagnosed this as a seizure instead. The Barrett’s weren’t made aware until the following day when Jim was notified by the state that his license is now revoked for 6 months due to this circumstance. Not a single member of the treating medical staff, including the treating ER physician, notified neither Becca or Jim that this was happening! Upsetting to say the least, since the doctor is the one who reported this error to the state. Jim has been serving the citizens of Glassport, PA for over 4 years as an officer, over 18 years for residents of Pennsylvania, and goes out every day and puts his life on the line, only to find that when his life is one that is in need, his original short recovery time is the least of this families worries. With Jim being the primary soul earner of the family, and only having accidental coverage that will provide 50% of his current earnings so his family can not fall so far under the water, that this is our only possible means to keep this determined family with a chance at not losing it all! Not to mention all of the prescriptions, follow up visits, any medical expenses already incurred, and the expenses that will continue to add up that will have to be paid out of pocket from them. There’s not a single family I know that is more deserving of love and help from those that they serve on a regular basis, from the kindness of their hearts!