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The Bruggeman family is loved by many in our community. Shaun has been involved with Robinson Cares, which has raisedmoney for non-profits within the Fargo/Moorhead community. He is on the board of directors with the ND Heart Gallery, Red River Valley Lacrosse, and on the advisory committee for NDSU Department of Transportation, Logistics, and Finance. They would go out of their way to help anyone in need. Now, they are needing our help.
After a visit with the Mayo Clinic, we found out there were more than two tumors on his brainstem—instead there are five. There is also one more toward the top of Shaun’s head and an additional five on his spine. The diagnosis from the Mayo Clinic of a genetic disorder, Neurofibromatosis type 2, which thankfully is almost always benign.
See link for more details: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/neurofibromatosis/symptoms-causes/syc-20350490
On May 24th, Shaun is scheduled for craniotomy surgery to remove the four tumors that make up the large growth on the right side of his brain. He will come out of that procedure completely deaf in his right ear. They will implant an auditory brainstem device that will help him later in life as his hearing begins to deteriorate on his left side. The doctors advised that the surgery will be between eight-12 hours with recovery typically consisting of a lot of walking to regain balance and no strenuous activity for four months.
For seven of the 11 tumors, doctors will need to monitor annually (if not more frequently) to ensure they’re not active and growing.
Another factor that the family is working through as a part of the diagnosis is if there are hereditary impacts. Shaun spent an hour virtually with Mayo going over family history and setting up blood work during his time there in May. Doctors will need to test biological children to make sure they are not genetically in line for the same diagnosis. During the visit the doctor commented that he may be “Mosaic” which would only affect him, not his children.
During the recovery period, Shaun will be very limited with his activities and will be needing to focus on healing and recovery. We want to help alleviate any stress that we can. One way we can help is to provide meals, gift cards and/ or financial support –as there will be missed work, medical bills, follow-up travel and appointments, hotels, and the many unexpected and less considered expenses associated with a major surgery and long recovery time.
We want Penny, Shaun and their seven kids to feel our love, support, and know they are not alone and will get through this. Please keep them in your prayers for peace and healing.
Words from Shaun: “Overall I’m grateful to be in the hands of the best doctors in the world. I’m very confident in the plan we have and that this will be a speedbump in my life. Thank you for your support, kind words, and prayers. They mean more to me and my family than you know.”
After a visit with the Mayo Clinic, we found out there were more than two tumors on his brainstem—instead there are five. There is also one more toward the top of Shaun’s head and an additional five on his spine. The diagnosis from the Mayo Clinic of a genetic disorder, Neurofibromatosis type 2, which thankfully is almost always benign.
See link for more details: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/neurofibromatosis/symptoms-causes/syc-20350490
On May 24th, Shaun is scheduled for craniotomy surgery to remove the four tumors that make up the large growth on the right side of his brain. He will come out of that procedure completely deaf in his right ear. They will implant an auditory brainstem device that will help him later in life as his hearing begins to deteriorate on his left side. The doctors advised that the surgery will be between eight-12 hours with recovery typically consisting of a lot of walking to regain balance and no strenuous activity for four months.
For seven of the 11 tumors, doctors will need to monitor annually (if not more frequently) to ensure they’re not active and growing.
Another factor that the family is working through as a part of the diagnosis is if there are hereditary impacts. Shaun spent an hour virtually with Mayo going over family history and setting up blood work during his time there in May. Doctors will need to test biological children to make sure they are not genetically in line for the same diagnosis. During the visit the doctor commented that he may be “Mosaic” which would only affect him, not his children.
During the recovery period, Shaun will be very limited with his activities and will be needing to focus on healing and recovery. We want to help alleviate any stress that we can. One way we can help is to provide meals, gift cards and/ or financial support –as there will be missed work, medical bills, follow-up travel and appointments, hotels, and the many unexpected and less considered expenses associated with a major surgery and long recovery time.
We want Penny, Shaun and their seven kids to feel our love, support, and know they are not alone and will get through this. Please keep them in your prayers for peace and healing.
Words from Shaun: “Overall I’m grateful to be in the hands of the best doctors in the world. I’m very confident in the plan we have and that this will be a speedbump in my life. Thank you for your support, kind words, and prayers. They mean more to me and my family than you know.”
Organizer and beneficiary
Penny Bruggeman
Beneficiary