Pope’s Journey to Healing after Brain Surgery

On behalf of my dear friend Pope,

Today I’m sharing his vulnerable journey with the mindset that every little bit helps.

Last November, Pope began experiencing alarming symptoms, it started off with difficulty moving the right side of his body. After months of doctors’ visits, tests, and hoping things would improve, he was diagnosed with a cavernous malformation — a blood clot in his brain that was disrupting critical motor and cognitive functions.

By March, his care team delivered devastating news: the blood clot inside his brain was growing and surgery was the only option to stop internal bleeding.

On May 7th, at the age of 22, Pope underwent brain surgery. By Gods grace, the surgery was successful but the road to recovery is long and unpredictable. The clot affected the right side of his body — including speech, movement, and thinking — and he will need months of therapy to heal.

His rehabilitation will include:

• Physical therapy to help him relearn usage of affected limbs

• Occupational therapy to rebuild daily living skills

• Speech-language therapy to help him communicate

• Cognitive therapy to restore memory, focus, and understanding

Like many of you can agree, Pope is one of the most resilient, funny, and supportive people I know. He brings light and laughter to every room— and despite everything, he still manages to stay strong for the people around him. But now, he needs us.

As a recent college graduate, Pope was just beginning to navigate adulthood when this life-altering diagnosis forced everything to be put on hold. Not only is he dealing with the physical and emotional toll of brain surgery, but he and his family are also now carrying the weight of mounting medical bills, therapy costs, and daily living expenses.

We’re asking for your help to support Pope on this difficult journey. Every donation, no matter the size, will go directly toward his medical care, rehabilitation, and living expenses while he focuses fully on healing.

Please consider contributing or even just sharing his story. With your support, we can better equip him with the therapy, time, and space he needs to reclaim his life!!

Thank you in advance for your support and prayers!