Support for Reid’s Medical Journey

Hello everyone, my name is Michelle, and as many of you know, my dad Reid was hospitalized on January 31 after feeling dizzy, confused, and intense pressure in his head. He was admitted into the ICU as they found a mass in the 4th ventricle in his brain. Immediately he was put on a steroid to relieve the inflammation and swelling, and was then scheduled for surgery that would remove part of the mass. Thankfully the doctor decided on performing another MRI before surgery day because through this it was discovered the steroid had in fact reduced the mass. We thanked God that this operation did not need to take place as this mass is already located in a risky area and could have caused Reid to no longer be the same Reid we all know. Consequently, the doctor ordered a blood test and bone marrow tap to see if the mass was cancerous, but unfortunately the results did not reveal any further information. Reid was sent home on February 12 with a steroid taper in hopes the mass would continue to diminish and not return. However, on February 20, Reid was rushed back to the hospital with severe back pain which caused him to not be able to walk and he was also having difficulty swallowing. Further CT and MRI scans now showed an abscess in his throat, and blood draws revealed he also has a blood infection. Antibiotics were administered as well as pain medication to help with the infection and pain he was feeling, but he was not receiving any relief. After a few days of this, the doctor ordered another MRI of the spine and neck. This MRI showed the abscess had grown and spread, and he was then transferred to Loyola University Medical Center where he could receive further care. There the doctor was able to clear out the abscess, and they have rounded up a team of doctors to review everything and make sure nothing was left out or missed. Through everything, my mom Dianne has been by Reid's side non-stop, and with this unexpected and unfortunate event, she has not been able to work. She also has had to stay at a hotel as this hospital does not allow her to stay overnight in the room with Reid. Along with the hotel expenses, she also has to eat out for meals. The hotel stays in addition to the food and traveling expenses have been adding up and I would like to help take some of the stress off of their shoulders. Any contributions made will go directly to these expenses as well as any costs accrued from the hospital stays and medical care Reid has been and continues to receive. My whole family greatly appreciates any help, big or small, as it will make a positive impact for both of my parents.