Jonathan's medical support team

I'm writing on behalf of my dear friends Jonathan, Val, and their daughter Andessa. Andessa I have known since the day she was born, Val I have known since 8th grade, and Jonathan I've been lucky enough to know, and love, since Val first introduced him to me when they were dating in college. They are "once in a lifetime" kind of friends: Caring, funny, adventurous, brave, and committed to doing good in the world.

They are also going through something right now that no family should have to navigate. Following a seizure, and a visit to to ER, doctors found a brain tumor in Jonathan's left frontal lobe that needed to be removed. Jonathan underwent a craniotomy on Friday, May 26 to remove as much of the tumor as possible.

This is a tremendously invasive surgery to recover from, even for someone as strong and resillient as Jonathan. While his motor signs look good so far, Jonathan has been struggling to find words and express himself. It's likely that the procedure impacted his language processing centers. The speech language pathologist has recommended he stay in Seattle for in-patient rehab to work on retraining those language skills as soon as possible. Time is of the essence, as neuroplasticity is highest in the early days after surgery. He will likely need to work with an occupational therapist as well.

Complicating matters is the fact that not all hospital staff or occupational therapists are trained to work with patients who have spinal cord injuries. Val has already found herself in the position of needing to advocate tirelessly for Jonathn's safety and wellbeing.

These services are not avaialable in Yakima, where Val and Jonathan live, which means that in order for Jonathan to get the care he needs, Val needs housing and childcare support for the duration of Jonathan's treatment.

While everyone hopes the biopsy results will show the brain mass to be benign, Val and Jonathan are doing their best to mentally prepare for the possibilty of further treatment, whether that be chemo, radiation, further surgeries, or some combination thereof.

Taken together, the surgery, hospital stay, in-patient rehab, unpaid time off work for Val, and the likelihood of further treatment is a considerable financial burden, along with the day to day costs of travel and staying away from home.

I know lots of people who have expressed a desire to show love and support for this family, and this is one way you can do that. Your contributions will go toward medical expenses, housing, childcare, food, and travel costs. Easing some of the financial anxiety this situation presents will go a long way toward making space for Val and Jonathan to focus on grieving, healing, and reconnecting as a family.