CAPTAIN INFORMATION

Jeremy Eby
Grand Rapids, Michigan

Eleven years ago I was a senior in high school, enjoying Christmas break. I was hanging out with friends and I passed out. That’s when everything changed. I awoke in a MRI machine and it was a scary moment. A few hours later, doctors came in and told me I had a golf ball sized tumor in my brain. Words will never describe how I felt at that moment.

The tumor was benign and the removal was successful. I recovered quickly from the experience and everything went back to normal. I had a follow-up MRI done two years later and they found three more benign growths in my brain. At that point I was diagnosed with NF2 (Neurofibromatosis Type 2). It is basically a disease that affects the brain and central nervous system.

Since 1997 I have had five brain surgeries. It has taken a toll on my body physically. The last surgery in May left me deaf in the left year. I also have an inoperable tumor on my brain stem. The combination of these two things has made it hard for me to get around lately. I use a walker and a wheelchair most of the time. I am currently going to physical therapy to work on my strength and balance. I am basically teaching my brain and body to learn how to walk again. I have always been an athlete and sports have been my life since the day I could walk. I don’t play basketball or toss around the pigskin much these days. It’s frustrating because it’s all I’ve ever known.

Even though I’ve lost most of my physical abilities, I still feel I’m blessed. I have a four-year old son named Cole and he makes battling this disease truly worth it. I have pretty much dedicated every minute of my life to raising my son and educating myself about my disease. I have faith that one day they will find a cure for this disease; maybe not in my lifetime, but maybe in my son’s.

Special note: Just when we think we’ve got life figured out, it throws us another curveball. However, the testomany to the resilience of man can be seen in Jeremy’s life and his unique view. He does not just turn his back & walk away… he comes out striking! And he’s got a cute 4-year old to prove it! Life IS worth living!

Back