Help Support Spencer's Fight

4/10/23:

Spencer was able to come home last week, with a feeding tube. Unfortunately on 4/6/23, he suffered a stroke and was airlifted back to Tampa General to be put on a ventilator and in ICU. He had to also have emergency surgeries to get a blood clot out of his brain stem. As of Today, he is off the ventilator and still In Tampa General in Critical Care unit. Recovering to be able to come home, please keep him in your thoughts and prayers. - Symbiont Family

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My journey over the past six years has been difficult with continuous misdiagnosis. For years doctors told me that I had ear infections and scar tissue causing my vertigo and pain.

Thankfully, Symbiont Service acquired the company I worked for, and I now have health insurance. The health insurance allowed me to dig deeper and fight harder for answers to my health issues. After going to an ENT specialist and multiple tests such as MRIs, CT scans, blood work, and endless appointments, they discovered I have two rare forms of brain tumors affecting several things.

So far, the tumors have caused me to become completely deaf in my left ear, paralyzed my vocal cord, and have only 80% function in my face. My present symptoms are debilitating headaches causing me to miss or miserably work through the pain.

I’ve been through 35 radiation treatments with all the usual side effects, and the next steps for treatment include surgeries. Throughout the radiation treatments, I stayed in a 5th-wheel trailer near a Tampa hospital while performing my duties as an HVAC Service Technician. Unfortunately, my first surgery in early December includes a significant recovery time, so I am unable to work, and the living costs and bills do not stop coming.

The financial burden of co-pays and life is catching up with me. I still have a long road of healing ahead, and I do not know what the future holds. I thank God daily for my family, co-workers, and employer’s emotional support and understanding. I humbly ask for help through the next phase of my healing journey as my well is running dry (no PTO remaining or savings). May God bless you and your giving kindness and generosity.