My name is Patrick, and I am asking for help after surviving a life-threatening cholesteatoma that caused severe complications and required emergency brain surgery.
In October 2024, while I was still working, I began experiencing severe headaches and double vision. I went to the hospital for medical evaluation, and after an MRI, the doctors told me I needed urgent surgery.
According to what my doctors explained to me, the cholesteatoma had destroyed part of my skull and extended dangerously close to my brain and a major artery. I was told that the surgery carried significant risks, including the possibility that I might not survive. I was terrified, but I had no choice except to fight for my life.
Eight-Hour Emergency Surgery
I underwent an approximately eight-hour operation. Multiple specialists were involved because of the location and seriousness of the disease. When I woke up, I was in tremendous pain and suffered a seizure.
After surgery, I needed extensive rehabilitation. I had to relearn how to walk and speak, and I needed therapy for severe double vision. For a period of time, I depended on a wheelchair while doctors monitored my recovery.
After about two weeks, I was finally allowed to return home with my wife and teenager. I was still in severe pain and needed help simply getting to my bedroom. During my first week at home, I suffered another seizure and was hospitalized again for approximately two weeks.
My recovery took months.
The Disease Was Not Completely Removed
During follow-up care, another MRI showed that the disease had not been completely removed. I was referred to other hospitals and specialists, but I was told that further surgery was extremely difficult because of how close the remaining disease was to the major artery.
I am grateful beyond words that I survived the initial surgery. I fought to live because I wanted more time with my family.
But surviving the surgery did not mean my struggle was over.
I Lost My Job and My Home
Before becoming seriously ill, I had worked for the same employer for 11 years. My boss visited me while I was recovering and told me that he would do his best to keep my position open until I was well enough to return.
Sadly, because of my medical condition, I eventually lost my job.
Then my marriage broke down. During a very difficult period of illness and recovery, I experienced emotional abuse and eventually went through a divorce. I was forced to leave my home and lost almost everything.
I had nowhere else to go.
Today, I am staying in a small room in my sister’s backyard. It gets extremely cold at night, and I continue to struggle with pain and sleepless nights. Even so, I am grateful because my sister and brother-in-law have opened their home and lives to me despite already struggling financially.
They have given me somewhere to sleep and food to eat when they can. I wish I could repay them for everything they have done for me.
I Am Asking for Help
I never expected my life to change so suddenly.
One moment I was working and providing for myself. Then I became seriously ill, underwent major surgery, lost my ability to work, lost my home, and lost almost everything I had.
I have also struggled emotionally through this experience. At one point, overwhelmed by the pain and everything that had happened, I attempted to take my own life with sleeping pills. I am sharing this because I want people to understand how difficult this journey has been, not because I want anyone to feel sorry for me.
I am still here. I am still fighting. And I am grateful for every day God gives me.
Any donation, no matter how small, would help me with basic necessities such as food, safe accommodation, medical care, transportation to appointments, medication, and ongoing recovery expenses.
If you are unable to donate, sharing my campaign with your friends, family, churches, and community would mean so much to me.
I have already fought to survive. Now I am asking for help to rebuild my life and continue moving forward.
Please help me through this difficult chapter. Every donation and every share can make a difference.
I leave my future in God’s hands. 🙏❤️
Thank you for taking the time to read my story and for keeping me in your prayers.
PayPal: patpaypal23@gmail.com
