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Jack Palmer was diagnosed with a congenital condition that causes brain bleeds
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The younger father additionally began experiencing epilepsy and battles with recurrent seizures.
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You can contribute to Jack’s fundraising campaign here
A young father has shared his distressing struggle against a uncommon and persistent neurological disorder that has resulted in frequent seizures, strokes, and vision impairment for him, along with the emotionally challenging inquiries from his daughter: “Daddy, are you going to die?”
Jack Palmer
He had just turned into his early twenties when he initially recognized that something was significantly amiss.
While atop a construction site where he served as a carpentry apprentice, he suddenly experienced an intense headache. Soon after, he found himself unable to recall the names of his coworkers next to whom he was laboring.
The start of an arduous and draining journey began when dealing with AVM (arteriovenous malformation), a uncommon yet perilous disorder characterized by tangled blood vessel clusters within the brain. This often leads to critical hemorrhages and seizures.
Jack learned that he needed GammaKnife surgery, which is a form of focused radiation therapy; after being informed, he proceeded with the treatment and then awaited the outcome.
When he was in his mid-twenties, Jack had a second brain hemorrhage.
‘That particular instance was much worse,’ he informed FEMALE.
I endured intense pain for an extended period. It led to severe epilepsy, which has unfortunately governed my life ever since. To be truthful, it completely shattered my existence.
The seizures struck fiercely and swiftly—often without warning.
At one point, he would be heading home after work, only to find himself jolting awake in the center of the street moments later.
I experienced some dizziness and decided to pull over; however, the next thing I knew, I found myself awake right in the middle of the street. A passing vehicle roused me from my state. An amazing elderly man assisted me and summoned an ambulance. It was quite frightening.
Every episode triggers an abrupt and intense wave of fear.
‘It feels as though you’re not really present—it’s almost like a dream. You experience intense light-headedness and dizziness, and the next thing you know, you find yourself waking up in a hospital bed.’
Jack attempted to defend himself.
After his health issues compelled him to leave his full-time job as a carpenter, he started his own lawn and gardening business. However, he experienced another seizure in late 2024, which occurred while he was driving.
He lost his license, and consequently, his means of earning a living.
“He mentioned that it heavily relied on having access to a vehicle,” he stated.
I had to close my business. It was devastating. You invest all your energy into creating something, and then your health takes it all away.
Struggling to secure employment without a license, all while dealing with erratic seizures, turned out to be nearly impossible.
A follow-up MRI revealed a Gamma Knife procedure hadn’t been effective, and Jack had his third brain bleed in mid-April.
“I finally secured employment, but was subsequently informed that the treatment wasn’t effective. Later on, I experienced another stroke which resulted in loss of vision. It seems like one setback followed another,” he stated.
The latest occurrence, barely a week and a half past, led to irreversible harm to Jack’s eyesight.
“He mentioned that his peripheral vision has been lost in both eyes,” he said.
I am unable to perceive anything from the sides. If I simply remain seated and focus directly ahead, my attempt is to discern what lies beside me – but there’s absolutely nothing there.
It isn’t fuzzy, it’s not a gleam, it’s simply nonexistent.
He’s currently finding it difficult to concentrate, coping with nerve damage, and attempting to come to terms with the likelihood that his sight might not recover.
Regardless of the constant obstacles, Jack perseveres for his spouse Emily and their child—despite the mounting emotional strain.
He mentioned that his daughter is seven years old now.
She’s beginning to grasp the situation. Following my most recent episode, I entered her bedroom and found her in tears. She looked at me and questioned, “Dad, are you going to pass away?”
He hesitated, evidently still disturbed.
‘Comforting your daughter as you frequently enter and exit the hospital… and essentially deceiving her to ensure she feels secure – it was an agonizing ordeal. Simply terrible.’
Despite all the hospital stays, operations, and seizures, Jack’s loved ones have remained supportive—but the financial strain of his illness has put them under considerable stress.
“The financial burden from healthcare is enormous. When you’re unemployed, you end up spending money on medications weekly and constantly going to doctors’ appointments. This goes on endlessly,” he stated.
‘I can’t provide a weekly expense figure for you. What it boils down to is that we have always been unable to save any money; our entire budget goes toward covering our bills.’
Jack now waits for further developments – however, the possibilities are far from reassuring.
“Exploring options like open brain surgery, radiation therapy, and sealing the AVM are being considered. However, due to limited blood flow in the brain, doctors must wait until the bloodstream clears up before they can assess the situation,” he explained.
There are no assurances. No definite conclusion. Only additional waiting, further imaging tests, and continued ambiguity.
In addition to tackling the physical and monetary hurdles, Jack also struggles with the emotional weight of his situation.
‘The effort you’re putting into becoming your best self keeps getting thwarted,’ he remarked.
‘I feel terrible – unable to provide my daughter with the quality of life she truly merits. Seeing your significant other endure relentless stress, always uncertain about what lies ahead. It makes you think that perhaps they deserved a much better existence free from these challenges.’
‘At some point, everybody surrounding you turns out to be incredible—I am deeply thankful for my friends and family—but I sense that I have exhausted all possible assistance. I hesitate to continue burdening them with requests.’
Nevertheless, Jack continues without surrendering.
With each brushstroke, each convulsion, each obstacle—he battles to rise again.
He stated, “I mean, it has been ongoing for such a long time that it nearly seems like everyday life.”
‘Yet it has shattered me. Again and again.’
A
GoFundMe campaign
has been set up to help Jack and his family through this difficult period.
The money will be used for continuing healthcare, therapeutic sessions, and daily costs as Jack recuperates.
‘The campaign notes that Jack is a true warrior – something everyone acquainted with him would confirm.’
‘Yet, even the mightiest require assistance.’
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