Clarke’s Journey

In December of 2021, Clarke contracted Covid-19. Clarke was a healthy, active, and hardworking person with no prior health complications or diagnoses. He worked full-time as an industrial electrician, was an avid golfer, and loved camping. On December 28, 2021, Clarke woke up with an excruciating headache and the pain has been constant and daily (24/7) ever since. Clarke has consulted with multiple doctors, including general practitioners, naturopaths, neurologists, neurosurgeons, and interventional radiologists, to attempt to diagnose his condition. Before finally receiving a diagnosis of a spinal CSF leak this year (2023), he was diagnosed with long-haul Covid, migraines, and New Daily Persistent Headache Disorder. Clarke and his family are feeling more optimistic now that he will be going to a CSF leak specialist in California.

Steak Night - January 19, 2024

Family and Friends hosted a steak night for Clarke and his family to support him in what we hope to be a conclusion to this chapter.

For the past two years, Clarke, our sister’s (Sarah’s) husband, has been suffering from debilitating head pain, amongst other symptoms, due to a suspected spontaneous Cerebral Spinal Fluid (CSF) leak. After multiple failed diagnostic tests and treatments in Saskatchewan, Clarke has been referred and accepted to Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles, California, to see a CSF leak specialist in February of 2024. Although medical costs are covered, all other expenses (i.e., travel, accommodations, etc.) are not. The purpose of this fundraiser is to help cover these expensive costs, as the abrupt nature of this condition has caused some financial hardships on this young family.

In December of 2021, Clarke contracted Covid-19. Clarke was a healthy, active, and hardworking person with no prior health complications or diagnoses. He worked full-time as an industrial electrician, was an avid golfer, and loved camping. On December 28, 2021, Clarke woke up with an excruciating headache and the pain has been constant and daily (24/7) ever since. Imagine having a headache for two years straight, where no medications or treatments provide relief. He also experiences brain fog, constant tinnitus (ringing in the ears), vertigo, dizziness, nausea, and extreme fatigue. These symptoms are exacerbated with time spent upright and with physical activity. As a result, Clarke has not been able to work (despite unsuccessful attempts) and his quality of life has deteriorated since its onset.

In addition to navigating this complex and rare condition, Sarah and Clarke welcomed their beautiful baby girl, Sophie, in May of 2022. Although this has been a joyful and happy time in their life, parenthood has been extra challenging for them, as Clarke has to spend most of his days in bed to mitigate his pain. This is extremely difficult for Clarke, Sarah, and their now 1.5-year-old, Sophie, as he is not always able to be the active dad he wants to be. He tries his best to participate in all of the family activities he can, but typically this worsens his condition, resulting in more time in bed.

Although his headaches began in December of 2021, Clarke has consulted with multiple doctors, including general practitioners, naturopaths, neurologists, neurosurgeons, and interventional radiologists, to attempt to diagnose his condition. Before finally receiving a diagnosis of a spinal CSF leak this year (2023), he was diagnosed with long-haul Covid, migraines, and New Daily Persistent Headache Disorder (basically a diagnosis for constant headaches with no known cause/treatment) all within the year of 2022. He has undergone multiple diagnostic tests/treatments, some which are fairly invasive and painful, as well as had multiple hospitalizations with no relief. After receiving several MRIs, CT scans, epidural blood patches, and lumbar punctures, it has been determined that Clarke is suffering from a tear or a hole in his dura surrounding his spinal cord (CSF leak). This allows cerebral spinal fluid (CSF) to leak, resulting in low fluid levels surrounding his brain. Essentially, his brain and connected nerves/tissue are being pulled down (sagging) due to this lack of fluid, and it becomes worse when he is upright/standing. Currently, there are no treatments with a 100% success rate, and it is further complicated since this is a spontaneous, unlocated leak.

Clarke and his family are feeling more optimistic now that he will be going to a CSF leak specialist in California. Although many of the professionals Clarke has been assessed and treated by in Canada have been wonderful, they lack the experience and knowledge that a dedicated specialist provides. Sarah plans to travel to California with Clarke, which may result in her taking time off of work, as well as potential added costs for childcare. They will be paying out-of-pocket for hotels, travel expenses, food, and other essentials for the undetermined amount of time they will be spending in the States.

If you are in a position to contribute financially or offer other forms of support, it would mean the world to us. Your kindness and support are so appreciated by Clarke and his family.

Thank you for helping Clarke seek additional testing and treatment with a dedicated specialist, so he and his family can return to living their life without it being dictated by this horrible condition. Your support means everything to Clarke and our family!

Note: If you wish to donate directly to Clarke and Sarah by e-transfer or cheque (to avoid GoFundMe fees) please send us a message for more information. Clarke and Sarah have set up a dedicated savings account for this purpose.

January 4th, 2024by Sarah Seebach, Beneficiary

As donations continue to roll in, Clarke and I again wanted to express how appreciative and grateful we are for our community. We can’t really put into words how much everyone’s emotional and financial support means to us. So again, thank you so much. We will try and keep everyone updated about Clarke’s progress once our travels are underway. ❤️
-Clarke and Sarah

December 30th, 2023by Allison Graham, Organizer

Hi everyone,
Clarke and Sarah wanted to send a message thanking everyone for their generosity. They know the Christmas/holiday season can be a financially tight time and are feeling overwhelmed by all of the support from their community. Thank you!