On June 11th, my brother-in-law, Isaac Baker, had to be taken to the emergency room for migraine-like symptoms. After scans and tests revealed a tumor in the brain, he ended up being transported to the neuro ICU at ECU in Greenville, NC. On Friday, June 13th, he underwent a 7 hour brain surgery to remove a tumor. They have a very long road ahead of them. The funds will go towards medical expenses, travel costs as Isaac and his wife, Maddie, will need to travel back to ECU for further treatment, and time off of work. Isaac will be off of work for an unforeseeable amount of time. This will allow Isaac and Maddie to focus on his treatment without added stress. Please donate if you are able and share! The following is shared from his wife, Maddie’s Facebook:
On Wednesday, June 11th, I took Isaac to the emergency room while on vacation at the Outer Banks for a horrible headache and vomiting. What I thought was going to be a quick visit and some headache medicine turned into an emergency transfer to ECU in Greenville, NC after they found a brain tumor and fluid and swelling of the brain. Two days later, Isaac went through an intricate 7-hour brain surgery with two neurosurgeons where they were able to get about 80% of the tumor while making his safety the priority. June 13th was the longest day of my life so far. Sitting in the waiting room during that surgery, I truly believed I might lose my husband. The fear was paralyzing.
Pathology is still pending and will tell us more about the aggressiveness of the tumor. We were prepared for another surgery today to place a shunt due to pressure issues, but in what can only be described as a miracle, Isaac’s pressure numbers dropped overnight and the surgery was cancelled. Shockingly, we were discharged. We’re headed home.
This is only the beginning of a journey we never asked for, but we are not alone. Isaac is overjoyed by the amount of love he has felt from those around him. We are so thankful for every single person who has reached out and supported us during this time.
There are a few things I’ve been deeply reminded of during this experience.
1. God really does use all things for good.
2. Isaac and I are more united than I ever thought we could be. There is something sacred about truly experiencing “in sickness and in health” with your husband. I’m thankful for the way our marriage has grown over the last week.
3. There is always something to be thankful for. The Neuro ICU is a heavy place, and so many families are enduring far more critical situations. Please pray for them.
4. Nurses are a gift straight from God. They kept us laughing and filled our room with joy even in the most uncertain moments.
Though this week has been the most challenging of my life, I’ve also experienced a joy I didn’t know was possible. Sitting beside Isaac, holding his hand, kissing his forehead, hearing his made up stories, laughing through pain, reading the Bible to him, and singing worship songs with him late in the night reminded me that joy can still be found in the toughest of situations.
Please keep praying for Isaac, for his future doctors, for full healing, and for the road ahead.
