Journey back continues
This past September, Jonathan Buller was beginning to stand, walk, eat and breathe on his own; he was just beginning to read and comprehend the readings yet again, and his thought process was recovering.
Today, he is able to climb stairs, feel sensations and pain in his right side, walk even farther at a time and ball is right hand into a fist. This is a major improvement from that day in June 2017 when he suffered a massive stroke and doctor’s said he wouldn’t live through the night.
Additionally, Jonathan’s speech and cognitive abilities have improved as well as his long and short-term memory.
Now able to verbalize his thoughts, Jonathan said, “Before, I could talk a little bit, but I was very intermittent in how I could talk, and now I’m doing much better.”
This past January, he received two shots, called Perispinal Etanercept treatment, from a doctor in Boca Raton, Florida, at the Institute of Neurological Recovery. A post on “Jonathan’s Journey Back,” a Facebook page created by his wife Rachel to keep friends and family up to date, read “Jonathan’s response to the medicine has been incredible. Within minutes he could feel the right side of his face. He could lift up his right leg and arm and straighten them. His speech has improved, and his smile has improved (so has mine).”
The extremity of the stroke inhibited Jonathan from many daily tasks, but he is now able to socialize longer without becoming overwhelmed, stand in the shower and even shave his face.
Rachel said their two children, Katie and Josiah, are excited for their father’s recovery.
“With his improvements, all of our quality of life has improved,” Rachel said. “We can’t say thank you enough to all those who donated and contributed and for all the prayers. They worked.”
A video posted to YouTube by his doctor showed Jonathan identifying his improvements.
He said he is able to feel sensations in his face, back and legs, extend his left arm and move his legs, stand in the shower, interact with others for longer periods of time and climb steps.
Additionally, he is more in touch with emotions.
Two Sunday’s ago, once the minister of music at Mine City Baptist Church in Ducktown, Jonathan was able to get up and practice with the choir once again.
He has greatly improved since the start of his journey, but there is still a long road ahead.
He goes for another dose of treatment in April, and the family is in need of $5,000 to help relieve the costs associated, Rachel said.
His family asks for any help, whether it be monetary or in prayer.
Rachel said they are “grateful for everyone’s love and support, prayers and financial support. We really appreciate it.”
Mine City Baptist Church established a Go Fund Me page to help with Jonathan’s needs. Those interested in donating may do so by visiting gofundme.com, and searching his name. The Facebook page “Jonathan’s Journey Back” also has the link at the top of their feed.