In 2021, we had the surprise of our lives when John began having frequent headaches and vision loss. This eventually led to issues with recall and memory. After some difficulty putting our finger on the problem, we were able to go to a specialist in Chicago, IL, where the medical team diagnosed John with chiasmal bleed due to a cerebral cavernoma around his optic nerve which was causing these issues. A cavernoma is a cluster of abnormal blood vessels in the brain that can leak or bleed.

The team there responded quickly and surgically performed a left sided craniotomy to remove as much of the suprasellar mass as possible. They also and performed a surgical resection of an angioma mass with chiasmal compression. After a few months, John returned to work with some continued vision loss in the left eye.

Everything was status quo until the summer of 2023, when the cavernoma began bleeding once again. We returned to Chicago for answers. This time around, steroids seemed to take care of the issue, and John was able to return to work.

This February, the bleeding returned with expanding vision loss and headaches. Steroids are not solving the problem this time, and surgery is no longer an option. MRI scans show that John continues to have multiple cavernous malformations around his optic nerve. This is the cause of his vision loss. We discovered from our neurosurgeon that Hyperbaric Oxygen Treatment (HBOT) is currently the best option to potentially restore his eyesight and reduce the swelling and severe headaches.

HBOT is thought to potentially help in a number of ways; By increasing oxygen dissolved in the blood, HBOT can enhance oxygen supply to brain tissue around the lesion. HBOT can reduce inflammation which could help limit secondary damage after a bleed. Also, HBOT can help with tissue repair and reduce edema (swelling) in injured brain areas.

We have learned that there is a non-profit facility in Wauseon, Ohio that John could go to called Sara’s Garden. Of all places in the world, this is where my brother and his family live. They are able to support us with lodging and meals as John receives treatments. Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy for John’s condition is only $150 per treatment at Sara’s Garden (as opposed to $1,500-2,500 per treatment at a hospital). Unfortunately, in the United States insurance companies do not recognize HBOT as being therapeutic for the treatment of these conditions and will therefore not cover the cost of the treatments. We have received thorough, knowledgeable, and respectful care from the team at Sara’s Garden.

We are hopeful at the healing that could occur through this treatment. Since our plan is to receive at least a full round of 40 HBOT treatments that cost adds up quickly. We could really use your help!

If you could assist us with the cost (or even just part of the cost) of a single $150 treatment it would help reduce our overall expenses greatly. 100% of the funds received will go into an account in John’s name and will be used for his treatments. Any contribution made would be considered a tax-deductible donation as Sara’s Garden is a 501(c)(3) non-profit facility. Checks can be made out to Sara’s Garden with John’s name on a sheet of paper accompanying the check. You can also donate online via credit card by clicking on the DONATE NOW button below.

Our hope is that John’s internal bleeding with the cavernoma will end and that he experiences vision restoration and can return to living life to the fullest.

Blessings,
John and Rebecca Cope.