Help Jim recover from a brain tumor

This campaign has been set up by loved ones to benefit the Bryan-Kanda family because, my goodness, WHAT A DIFFERENCE A DAY MAKES.

HERE IS WHAT HAPPENED:
On March 16, 2017, Jim was returning home to his wife, Dorothy, and his 9 month old daughter, after a business trip in Quebec.

During a layover in Atlanta, Jim began suffering from a severe headache, weakness and nausea. Over the phone, Dorothy encouraged him to seek out medical assistance from a gate agent, but before he could make it, Jim hustled to a bathroom feeling ill. It was there that he collapsed at the sink in a seizure. Thanks to a good samaritan who discovered Jim on the bathroom floor and aided him immediately, EMTs were notified. Jim was in an ambulance within 30 minutes and headed to Grady Memorial Hospital in downtown Atlanta (part of the Emory University hospital system). 

At Grady, an initial CT scan showed a large mass located in the ventricles of Jim's brain. The mass was blocking the brain fluid's natural drainage path down the spine, thereby creating a backfill of fluid (hydrocephalous), which the brain continued to produce with nowhere for it go. The pressure built, causing headaches, vision disturbances and nausea. Meanwhile, Dorothy and the baby were driving to Atlanta (2.5 hrs from home) to get to his side as soon as possible. During this drive, Dorothy got a call from the resident doctor to tell her about the mass and that Jim was in a highly unstable condition. The pressure in his brain was at a dangerous level, and they needed her consent to perform a procedure that would alleviate the pressure.

Once enough pressure had been released by the fluid draining, an MRI was performed, and it revealed a tumor the size of a large orange (!) at the septum of his brain (found near the brain's midline). He was prepped for surgery that day, ahead of other scheduled surgeries, as his became a "must operate today" situation.

After a 7 1/2 hour surgery, Jim's neurosurgeon confirmed that Jim suffered from an extremely rare tumor called a Central Neurocytoma, and that he suspected it was benign. Jim faced an extended stay in ICU, followed with inpatient rehab to re-establish strength, motor skills and cognitive functions. Once released from inpatient care, they are prescribed a comprehensive outpatient rehab regimen at Emory for several weeks. His first post-surgery evaluation, 3 months down the road, will look for any regrowth. The final pathology report has indicated that the tumor, while benign, will grow back. As a result, an extensive course of radiation therapy will be needed to kill what is left of the tumor to prevent a full recurrence.


THIS IS WHO IT HAPPENED TO:
Up until March 16 of this year, Jim was an active outdoorsman, who savored all that his life had to offer. He was a Colorado skier, an avid fly-fisherman, a cyclist and a devoted husband and father who lives for helping his new daughter discover his same joy for the outdoors and nature.

To this point -- as his medical team removed his ventilator the day after surgery, they asked him his name (standard question). He slowly answered, "Jim." But understandably, he was groggy, confused, and the wheels in his brain were slow to move. Dorothy sat quietly by, observing him after the doctor moved away. She could see Jim trying to work out some other words. She leaned closer to hear him finally say, "fly fishing." She smiled, squeezed his hand and said, "Yes. You are a fly fisherman." It simply is who he is.

But more important than Jim's enthusiasm for all things outdoors, Jim is known and loved for his spirit. He is a kind and funny and generous man who will gladly rise to any occasion to which he can be of service. He has the type of genuine character that makes people feel at ease and welcome. And he has a laugh, an unmistakable hearty laugh, that is infectious and funny all by itself.

Here's the glorious thing: none of what has happened has changed any of what I've just described about Jim. Through this entire ordeal, he has remained optimistic, funny, courageous and encouraging to everyone around him -- even and especially those who were there to encourage him.


What this unforeseen experience has changed, however, is the financial reality now facing him and his family -- and that has changed drastically.

THIS GOFUNDME CAMPAIGN is designed to help Jim, the only income provider for his family, cover his sudden illness and the unexpected medical expenses that have begun pouring in since March 16. Since this emergency occurred out of state, there are out-of-network charges that insurance won't cover. The money raised will not just help pay those out-of-pocket medical bills and lost wages, but also for the travel, lodging and other unanticipated expenses associated with traveling between their home in Aiken, SC and Atlanta, GA for rehab, treatment, and follow up appointments (a 2.5 hour, 170 mile, drive each way).

The funds raised will be used immediately, as Jim has been out of work and on short term disability since the incident, and the expenses to keep Dorothy and their daughter in Atlanta during Jim's surgery and ICU recovery have stretched their finances as far as they could stretch. Jim was told by his team of doctors that his initial recovery would be a 3 month process. They will reassess him at that time, and if they determine he needs to begin radiation treatment right away, that will extend his term of disability up to another two months.

While Jim has been an inspiration with his strength and courage, he and his family have a long road ahead.

Any donation you can offer will be put to good and honest use, and our gratitude will be eternal. We have always been inspired by the courage and kindness of others in times of crisis. We just never expected to be in such urgent need of it ourselves.

Thank you in advance, even if all you are able to do is send your positive thoughts. Sincerely.

PS. The good samaritan who discovered Jim on the bathroom floor used the information on Jim's medical alert bracelet (worn for his severe tree nut allergy) to contact Dorothy personally and explain what he knew. The information that he provided was vital for the Doctors in the following hours before surgery. Mainly, his quick thinking and general decency may have saved Jim's life.

Dorothy later found out that the good samaritan is a US Marine who had been traveling back to Camp Lejeune from California. This hero is due to be recognized with a formal award from the US Marine Corps for his selflessness and heroism during this crisis. Dorothy and Jim hope to attend the ceremony.

Dorothy keeps a detailed journal of Jim's journey from day one here

Awesome JBK Top 10 video produced by Jim's coworkers