Stroke Recovery for James Bounous
Donation protected
On December 31, the year 2020 decided she wasn’t quite finished yet, and that James Bounous would be her final magnum opus. James began showing symptoms of a stroke and was rushed to the Heber Valley ER, the nearest hospital at the time. He was transferred by priority ambulance through the canyon to the Utah Valley Hospital ICU, to receive care from their stroke team.
An MRI and additional imaging has confirmed a stroke diagnosis, caused by a dissection of the vertebral artery at the base of his neck. The stroke travelled to the left medulla, which is where the damage is and explains the symptoms he is currently experiencing. James has lost the ability to swallow, is experiencing facial numbness and paralysis, headaches, constant dizziness, and terrible nausea.
There’s no medication or operation that will resolve the damage, which leaves time and therapy. James will need to regain some basic functions with his swallowing. Intense speech therapy, long term recovery and rehab will also be necessary. There is not a timeline or plan for his recovery yet, as we are still looking to neurologists and therapists to help make sense of the extent of the stroke damage.
James is still James. He is a powerful performer, a loving husband and father, and fierce friend. His humor, wit, and attitude are definitely present, and bring much hope to an uncertain situation. Kayla has been by his side the entire time, and her strength is unmatched. To know them both is to know laughter, light, and joy. We want to see them both through this recovery with all the support and love we can.
With so much ambiguity ahead, we have set up this fundraiser to help ease the financial burden associated with continued treatment and therapy. There are so many people that love James and Kayla and want to show them they care. If you are able to make a donation, please know that it is met with hearts full of gratitude. We will share updates for James here as we have them, as well as on social media. Thank you for your love, thoughts, prayers, and support. ❤️
An MRI and additional imaging has confirmed a stroke diagnosis, caused by a dissection of the vertebral artery at the base of his neck. The stroke travelled to the left medulla, which is where the damage is and explains the symptoms he is currently experiencing. James has lost the ability to swallow, is experiencing facial numbness and paralysis, headaches, constant dizziness, and terrible nausea.
There’s no medication or operation that will resolve the damage, which leaves time and therapy. James will need to regain some basic functions with his swallowing. Intense speech therapy, long term recovery and rehab will also be necessary. There is not a timeline or plan for his recovery yet, as we are still looking to neurologists and therapists to help make sense of the extent of the stroke damage.
James is still James. He is a powerful performer, a loving husband and father, and fierce friend. His humor, wit, and attitude are definitely present, and bring much hope to an uncertain situation. Kayla has been by his side the entire time, and her strength is unmatched. To know them both is to know laughter, light, and joy. We want to see them both through this recovery with all the support and love we can.
With so much ambiguity ahead, we have set up this fundraiser to help ease the financial burden associated with continued treatment and therapy. There are so many people that love James and Kayla and want to show them they care. If you are able to make a donation, please know that it is met with hearts full of gratitude. We will share updates for James here as we have them, as well as on social media. Thank you for your love, thoughts, prayers, and support. ❤️
Organizer and beneficiary
Melissa Dameron
Organizer
Lindon, UT
James Bounous
Beneficiary
