Community Rallies Behind Man Fighting Rare Disease

Local businesses and the community are rallying behind a man fighting a rare disease. Back in June, Robert Isgett began developing neurological symptoms back in June. Doctors detected anomalies in his medical tests and referred him to Cleveland Clinic where he was diagnosed with Moyamoya Disease. The odds of being diagnosed are about the same as getting struck by lightning or winning the Ohio Lottery Pick 5, around 5 in 100,000. Moyamoya disease is a rare blood vessel disorder in which the carotid artery in the skull becomes blocked or narrowed. The carotid artery is a major artery that brings blood to the brain. When it's blocked, blood flow to the brain is reduced. Tiny blood vessels then develop at the base of the brain in an attempt to supply the brain with blood. Moyamoya means “puff of smoke” in Japanese and is used to describe the tangled appearance of tiny vessels compensating for the blockage. His wife, Susan, says he suffered multiple mini-strokes before doctors performed a four-hour surgery in Cleveland. However, the road to recovery is a long one. After being discharged and sent home, he developed speech difficulties and was advised to go back to the Cleveland Clinic immediately. Susan says he was admitted to the hospital, but, “Thankfully there was no evidence of a stroke or seizure, but he was given seizure medication as a preventive measure. He will begin speech, occupational, and physical therapy after an evaluation this Thursday.” Due to his condition, Isgett has been unable to work since June and his income has been reduced by 40%. Worse, the family’s insurance will lapse if he can’t return to work by the end of the year. But, thankfully, the community has rallied behind the couple as they attempt to raise funds to cover Robert’s medical and travel expenses. Susan says, “Local businesses have been VERY generous to us by donating gifts, services, and gift cards/certificates. Initially, we expected to have a dozen baskets to raffle off. We are overwhelmed - we have over 50 baskets to raffle off and none of them are worth less than $75.” She says she’s been setting up at local businesses around the area to sell raffle tickets. “IGA Minford and Westside, Walmart, Habitat for Humanity Restore, and Grandview Wheelersburg have given us permission to set up thus far. We also have a raffle for a Centurion BP-12 Semi-automatic shotgun. Tickets are $20 and are limited to 300. The drawing is December 1st. Raffle tickets for baskets are $1 each of 6 for $5. Drawing will take place December 13th.” Susan says they are also working with Smokin' Joe’s BBQ for a pre-sale of a BBQ dinner. Details about the various fundraisers are available on a Facebook page set up for the fundraiser.

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