Dear friends and family,

As many of you may know, our beloved family and friend, Jay, has recently faced a series of health issues, which led him to the ICU at Tacoma General. A lot of this information was withheld in the beginning due to uncertainty of the cause and diagnosis.

His symptoms began with him fighting an illness (cold/flu), but then he had a 103.9° fever with some incoherence, and he was rushed to the hospital with concerns of sepsis. So much was in question as to diagnosis, such as, possible brain bleed, stroke, or meningitis. They discovered he had a mass near the thalamus on the right side (deep in the brain between the two hemispheres. The Thalamus is responsible for speech, thinking/cognitive, so he was transferred to the neurology department at Tacoma General where he met with the neurosurgeon.

What they found was he has multiple brain abscesses. They scheduled surgery for the next day, but decided they didn’t want to wait any longer based on how the day had progressed with his symptoms. They went in with a needle to the deepest part of his brain (thalamus) to extract fluid for two reasons. One, to alleviate the pressure, and two, to determine just what they are dealing with so they can begin treatment. They suspected that the infection began in his heart, as he now has a murmur he didn’t have before. This will be a secondary issue to deal with once they have determined the cause of all the abscesses.

He also has some drooping of the right side of his face, as well as, weakness on the right side. He is still confused with speech and having a difficult time communicating his needs.

The most recent update is this: his fever is gone now and the Infectious Doctor is saying the bacteria has cultured as Streptococcus Constellatus. He was moved out of the ICU early Friday morning (Praise God), which has been a blessing better for Jay and his family. He currently has bouts with

“Hospital Delirium” but does better with family by his side.

Jay will require 24/7 care during his recovery. Jay will be working with neurologists and therapists, and he will need extensive physical therapy to regain full mobility on his right side.

The road to recovery will be long and difficult, but with the power of prayer and with your support, we can help lighten the burden for him and his family. His journey to recovery will take him away from being able to provide for his family, and any short term disability will not cover any immediate needs and medical costs. Any contribution, big or small, will be greatly appreciated and will go towards paying for his medical expenses and care.

Let's work together to support Jay in his journey toward a full recovery and getting back on his feet.

Please keep Jay, Tina, and the boys in your thoughts and prayers. Thank you for your generosity, love, and support during this difficult time.

All funds will go directly to the family through an account they have set up for this fundraiser.

With sincere love and gratitude…