Sitterlee - Mayo Clinic

Julius Sitterlee and his family’s lives were dramatically changed in November 2017. In an attempt to treat pain for a lower back issue, a doctor had prescribed a commonly used medication that was known to work well with patients like him. He had an extremely adverse reaction to this medication that led to a number of sudden neurological issues. His family watched as this very gentle, affectionate man experienced severe agitation, anxiety, emotional outbursts, and altered smell and taste. He stopped taking the medicine after only four doses, but more symptoms followed: difficulty walking, sleep deprivation, decreased speech output, inability to perform some learned tasks, involuntary jerks in his upper extremities, and memory loss.

In the following months, he spent time in the hospital for a heart condition that suddenly arose and was treated. Then, in May, the severe migraine headaches began. He also developed a highly debilitating hearing disorder characterized by an increased sensitivity to certain frequencies and volume ranges of sound.

 Julius has daily migraine headaches. He has to wear protective headgear and can not go into public areas where there might be any overlapping noise. His ability to process information has greatly diminished. He needs everything to be simple. Written instructions have become too complicated. All of this has resulted in him not being able to work and he is currently on indefinite long term disability which only pays 60% of his previous salary.

As Julius’ condition continues to worsen, his local doctor has referred him to the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN. They have one of the top neurology departments in the country. He and his family are hopeful that, with their levels of expertise, they may be able to find answers to his rare medical situation. The cost of this trip is significant and is estimated in the following breakdown: Vehicle rental - $1,900; Fuel - $300; Lodging - $4,000; Food - $1,300.

Julius and his family have been such a ministry to the church family and friends that surround them. They have held unfailing hope in God and joy in the midst of an incredibly difficult time. As their friends and family, we are working to support them through the inevitable financial burdens that come along with this kind of prolonged medical situation. If you can help in any way with the financial burden of their trip to the Mayo Clinic, it would mean so much to this family.