John's Medical Fund

My name is John Christophersen and I may be the luckiest man in the world.

I have experienced a life-saving miracle.

THE STROKE

On the morning of September 7, I was in Philadelphia on a business trip with a brand new client named Reggie.  After getting to know him a little bit over breakfast, I told Reggie I needed to go upstairs to brush my teeth and that I’d be back in 15 minutes. But upstairs, as I entered my room, I suddenly knew that something was very wrong. I couldn’t move my face or lift my arms.

I tried to reach the bedroom phone, but before I could dial 911, I became crippled with pain and collapsed to the floor. As I lay there thinking I was about to die, I thought of my wife, our daughter, my sisters and my friends. I was terrified and devastated that I wouldn’t be able to say goodbye to the people who mattered most.

THE RESCUE

When I didn’t return downstairs, Reggie, who I barely knew, became concerned. He tried texting and calling me but got no answer. Finally, he convinced the hotel manager to rush to my hotel room. They broke in the door and found me on the floor. Reggie called 911. His calmness and quick thinking saved my life.

THE RECOVERY

 From the first hospital was helicoptered to an  ICU unit at a special Neuroscience Hospital. Doctors quickly determined I had suffered a stroke and as a result my brain was swelling. To relieve the pressure and prevent severe brain damage, surgeons removed part of my skull. I will require surgery to replace my skull cap in about five months.

For now, my cognitive abilities appear to be intact, but my physical abilities are seriously impaired. I am going to need 6-12 months of intense rehabilitation. I need to learn to walk again. And eat solid food. And brush my teeth. 

I have the best Physical Therapists in the world – and with their help I am determined to become John 2.0 – restored to health and the most grateful man in the world.

OUR REQUEST

We are asking for financial support to help our family through the next 12 months.

In addition to supporting our family, we have many expenses related to my care. I will need to be medically transported by ambulance to our home in Illinois and transported to and from the hospital for skull surgery. And the physical and occupational therapy I need far exceeds what our health insurance will cover.

Any amount you can offer will be deeply appreciated.  Thank you.

I’ve learned the hard way about the devastating impact of a stroke. Here is some simple information that may help you:  The Warning Signs of Stroke

When you have a stroke, your brain isn't getting the blood it needs. You need treatment right away to lower your chances of brain damage, disability, or even death.

Use the FAST test to check for the most common symptoms of a stroke in yourself or someone else.

Face:     Smile and see if one side of the face droops.

Arms:     Raise both arms. Does one arm drop down?

Speech: Say a short phrase and check for slurred or strange speech.

Time:       If the answer to any of these is yes, call 911 right away and note what time the symptoms started