Religion
Enola
Enola man battles Cogan's
John Stouffer had his leg amputated this week, but keeps trusting God.
By Leah Farr, Sentinel Correspondent, December 10, 2009
Last updated: Saturday, December 12, 2009 5:17 PM EST
Life has been an extreme test of faith for 32-year-old John Stouffer. The Enola man has spent more time in hospitals than at home since he was diagnosed with a rare, but fatal, vascular disease seven years ago.
Stouffer has Cogan’s Syndrome, a terminal illness that affects the vascular system, eyes, ears and other body systems over time. Doctors have been unable to determine how Stouffer contracted the disease.Since his diagnosis, he has battled infections, hearing loss, strokes, heart attacks, the removal of all of his teeth and a barrage of other health problems.On Wednesday, the 1996 Cedar Cliff High School graduate underwent surgery to amputate his leg below the knee as a result of complications from the disease. The night before his surgery, Stouffer said he was apprehensive, frustrated and facing a grim reality.But he also held onto his faith.The former rescue worker and EMT believes it is God and the goodness of local people that have kept him going through his darker times.Last year, Stouffer received nearly $1,000 in donations from Sentinel readers who heard his story and wanted to help alleviate the financial burden of paying for constant medical care.Those random acts of kindness mean the world to a man who has lost so many things.“There is so much going on in the world, going on with the economy,” Stouffer said between phone calls from doctors and well wishers. “The fact that people were taking the time for me when there are so many other organizations to give to ... the fact that people chose to help me with their time and money, it makes me want to fight a little harder.“There are times when I’m fighting this disease and there is no one else on the planet who get’s it. But then people step up. It’s incredibly motivating,” he says.While Stouffer has health insurance through Medicare and his former job with the state House of Representatives — he drove in motorcades for visiting politicians and worked for House Majority Policy Committee Chairman Roy Cornell and the House Republican Caucus — his copays and medical bills continue to rise astronomically every year.To help with the escalating costs, Stouffer also receives support from members of the Baughman Memorial United Methodist Church, who have created a “Caring for John Fund.”The church, where Stouffer attends when he is physically able, administers the fund to cover expenses for things like prescription drug costs and ambulance fees. Since its inception, more than $11,000 has been raised.But the need is still great. Stouffer recently acquired MSRA, a drug resistant bacterial infection, requiring him to have two IVs of antibiotics every day. That costs $517 a day.He will soon require intensive physical therapy and in-home help as he recovers from his recent amputation.With all the challenges he continues to face, Stouffer says he finds strength in the conversations he has with God and a handful of close friends who have stuck by him.Just recently, members from the New Cumberland firehouse, where Stouffer served as a rescue worker before he was diagnosed with Cogan’s Syndrome, brought him a shadow box with his jumpsuit and badges as a thanks to Stouffer for his service to the community.Throughout his disease Stouffer says he has learned not to take things for granted. Two years ago, doctors gave him only a year to live, but he has defied the odds and will continue to fight the battle against his fatal disease.Stouffer said his struggles have also helped him learn the importance of living by a higher moral code.“Take responsibility for your actions, treat people the way you want to be treated and stand by what is right. That is what I am going to do with this life I’ve been given.”
FYI
Checks to help Stouffer can be written to Baughman Memorial United Methodist Church with “Caring for John” in the memo line.
For more information or to make a contribution, contact the church at 774-2005 or visit www.cogans.org.
Enola
Enola man battles Cogan's
John Stouffer had his leg amputated this week, but keeps trusting God.
By Leah Farr, Sentinel Correspondent, December 10, 2009
Last updated: Saturday, December 12, 2009 5:17 PM EST
Life has been an extreme test of faith for 32-year-old John Stouffer. The Enola man has spent more time in hospitals than at home since he was diagnosed with a rare, but fatal, vascular disease seven years ago.
Stouffer has Cogan’s Syndrome, a terminal illness that affects the vascular system, eyes, ears and other body systems over time. Doctors have been unable to determine how Stouffer contracted the disease.Since his diagnosis, he has battled infections, hearing loss, strokes, heart attacks, the removal of all of his teeth and a barrage of other health problems.On Wednesday, the 1996 Cedar Cliff High School graduate underwent surgery to amputate his leg below the knee as a result of complications from the disease. The night before his surgery, Stouffer said he was apprehensive, frustrated and facing a grim reality.But he also held onto his faith.The former rescue worker and EMT believes it is God and the goodness of local people that have kept him going through his darker times.Last year, Stouffer received nearly $1,000 in donations from Sentinel readers who heard his story and wanted to help alleviate the financial burden of paying for constant medical care.Those random acts of kindness mean the world to a man who has lost so many things.“There is so much going on in the world, going on with the economy,” Stouffer said between phone calls from doctors and well wishers. “The fact that people were taking the time for me when there are so many other organizations to give to ... the fact that people chose to help me with their time and money, it makes me want to fight a little harder.“There are times when I’m fighting this disease and there is no one else on the planet who get’s it. But then people step up. It’s incredibly motivating,” he says.While Stouffer has health insurance through Medicare and his former job with the state House of Representatives — he drove in motorcades for visiting politicians and worked for House Majority Policy Committee Chairman Roy Cornell and the House Republican Caucus — his copays and medical bills continue to rise astronomically every year.To help with the escalating costs, Stouffer also receives support from members of the Baughman Memorial United Methodist Church, who have created a “Caring for John Fund.”The church, where Stouffer attends when he is physically able, administers the fund to cover expenses for things like prescription drug costs and ambulance fees. Since its inception, more than $11,000 has been raised.But the need is still great. Stouffer recently acquired MSRA, a drug resistant bacterial infection, requiring him to have two IVs of antibiotics every day. That costs $517 a day.He will soon require intensive physical therapy and in-home help as he recovers from his recent amputation.With all the challenges he continues to face, Stouffer says he finds strength in the conversations he has with God and a handful of close friends who have stuck by him.Just recently, members from the New Cumberland firehouse, where Stouffer served as a rescue worker before he was diagnosed with Cogan’s Syndrome, brought him a shadow box with his jumpsuit and badges as a thanks to Stouffer for his service to the community.Throughout his disease Stouffer says he has learned not to take things for granted. Two years ago, doctors gave him only a year to live, but he has defied the odds and will continue to fight the battle against his fatal disease.Stouffer said his struggles have also helped him learn the importance of living by a higher moral code.“Take responsibility for your actions, treat people the way you want to be treated and stand by what is right. That is what I am going to do with this life I’ve been given.”
FYI
Checks to help Stouffer can be written to Baughman Memorial United Methodist Church with “Caring for John” in the memo line.
For more information or to make a contribution, contact the church at 774-2005 or visit www.cogans.org.
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