Jason Barksdale's Medical Expenses

On November 10, 2016  Jason suffered a ruptured AVM.  The second rupture in less than 2 years.   Luckily, Jason's very good friend/employer, Roger Byrd, went to his apartment when Jason did not show up for work.  Jason was unconcious and paramedics were called.  He was taken to the hospital where he was intubated. Also an EVD was placed.  This allows blood and CSF to drain to relieve building pressure in the brain.  Jason was quickly transferred to UAB Hospital.  An AVM is a tangle of abnormal blood vessels connecting arteries and veins in the brain.  AVM's are very rare and most people are born with them.  Jason recovered very well from his first rupture, but this rupture is much worse.  He was comatose for the first several days and his left side was not responding at all.  The AVM is located in his brainstem, which makes it inoperable.  On the third day after his stroke, Jason extubated himself (he pulled out his vent!).  He started whispering immediately afterwards, which is amazing.  He recognizes people and his sense of humor is still there!  Right now he is fighting the effects of "neurostorming", which causes him to spike a very high fever, his oxygen levels to drop, and to breath more rapidly.  We, his family, are overwhelmed by the outpouring of love and prayers.  We are so grateful for all of you.  Jason's cycling family means so much to him.  The neurosurgeon told Jason's mom and dad that Jason faces a long road to recovering, to what extent he does not know but he feels hopeful due to his age and physical condition.  We are concerned about the financial burden this will be to Jason.  He will go to a step down unit when he leaves ICU and then to rehab.  As most of you know, Jason has a beautiful 10 year old daughter, Mia.  For those of you that don't know Jason personally, he is a unique young man; so kind and giving.  He is a wonderful father to Mia and they have so much fun together.  Jason plays a huge role in the cycling community.  He leads rides through Birmingham and always welcomes newcomers, even taking the time to ride with them and help them love the sport as he does. We don't know how long it will be before Jason can work again or the effects of the financial burden of his medical expenses, which are already significant.   If you can donate any amount of money it will be greatly appreciated.  If you can't donate we understand, but would love for you to visit Jason.  I will continue to post updates of Jason's recovery process.  We want to thank each and everyone of you for your continued love and prayers.
Marie Yester Eidson (Aunt)