Support Caleb's Life-Changing Brain Surgery

My name is Jill Hardie and like many of you, I’ve been a witness to the painful, courageous journey Caleb Moores and his parents, John and Sandy, have been on for the past 12 years as they’ve battled an autoimmune disease that attacks the brain with devastating results. We’ve prayed together and wept together. We’ve longed for more tangible ways to help this precious family who gives so much to their community, even in the midst of their own unimaginable struggles.

Now is our chance to let Caleb and his family know they aren’t alone.

In early March, Caleb will undergo brain surgery at Mt. Sinai hospital in New York City, followed by two more surgeries over the span of eight weeks. The family’s prayer is that together, these surgeries can provide the opportunity for Caleb to enjoy a normal life so many of us take for granted. A life free from the daily torture of a brain illness. Caleb and his parents have given their all to overcome the effects of his disease. Caleb has tried over 20 medications, undergone IVIG infusions and plasmapheresis, and worked with a top therapist to help him manage the symptoms of his illness. Nothing has provided the long-term relief he so desperately needs.

The ground-breaking surgery at Mt. Sinai hospital in New York City is a new ray of hope for Caleb and his family. It’s called Deep Brain Stimulation Surgery (DBS), and there is a simple way to describe it: it’s like a pacemaker for the brain. The qualification process for the surgery is extensive, and the family recently received wonderful news—the surgical team at Mt. Sinai approved Caleb for surgery! His first surgery is scheduled for March 6.

The first two surgeries are to install wires into his brain. The third is to place a pacemaker in his chest. Monthly, in-person visits at Mt. Sinai will also be required for a year after the surgeries are complete. There are no surgeons who can perform this type of DBS surgery in Ohio. Caleb and his family must travel to Mt. Sinai in New York City to have the surgeries. They’ve been advised to stay close to the hospital in the weeks between surgeries, not only for follow-up appointments over the eight-week period, but in case complications arise.

New York City is the second most expensive city in the United States. Eight weeks of meals, hotels, gas and transportation will be costly! Monthly follow up visits for a year will also add up. Together, we can help take the financial burden off John and Sandy so they can focus on helping their son heal. John and Sandy give generously of their time and resources to those around them. Caleb has a heart of gold. Let’s bless them with our tangible support! May they feel our love with them in NYC!

Please consider supporting Caleb, John and Sandy in the following ways:

1. Make a financial contribution through GoFundMe.

GoFundMe charges a small transaction fee of 2.9% + 30 cents per donation.

All money after GFM’s transaction fee will go directly to John and Sandy. They will be able to immediately use your contribution to cover the costs of meals, lodging, gas, tolls, parking, subway fares, Ubers and more while living in NYC. Exact costs of their eight weeks in NYC are difficult to predict but are certain to run in the tens of thousands. If funds received are over and above what is used during their stay in NYC, the extra funds will be used to bless Caleb as he embarks on a new chapter in his life!

2. Pray.

Caleb, John and Sandy cherish your prayers for a successful surgery with no complications. They asked to share their gratitude for all who have prayed for them, and for new friends on this journey.

“Thank you for all your faithful prayers and the love and support you have shown Caleb and our family over all these years. They have sustained us and carried us this far. We are truly grateful!”

3. Offer words of encouragement.

John and Sandy will be posting updates throughout Caleb’s surgeries and recovery. Let them know you’re rooting for them!

The cost of living in NYC for eight weeks is hard to imagine! John and Sandy were uncertain about posting a fundraiser on GoFundMe but my husband Tim and I assured them—people will want to help defer costs so they can focus on Caleb! Already many people have been asking them what they can do to support them on this journey. This fundraiser is a great way to show them your support during their 8-week stay in NYC!

May God bless you, and may God bless Caleb and his family!

❤️❤️❤️