Just a few short months ago, Athens resident Ed Renz was raced to the emergency room after experiencing a tumor-induced seizure. Now, he is fighting to foot the bill for that very trip.
July 20, the 25-year-old Renz was diagnosed with Oligodendroglioma, a type of non-cancerous brain tumor that affects one’s motor skills and ability to speak.
“The doctors said he should have been having headaches for a while,” said Sara Tuttle, a close friend of the Renz’s. “But he was fine the day before (it happened).”
Just over a week after checking in to the hospital, Renz underwent a successful surgery to remove the tumor — an operation that added up to $242,000 in medical bills. With separate bills from multiple doctors, the procedure could end up costing close to $1 million, Tuttle said.
Unfortunately, the troubles did not end after a five-week stint in the hospital. Along with causing weakness in his right side, the tumor hindered Renz’s speaking ability.
After 21 days in rehab at Dodd Hall at Ohio State University, Renz began steadily improving his linguistics.
“He’s still the same sarcastic guy he always has been,” Tuttle said.
As he went through more rehabilitation to address the problems with his speech and the use of his right side, Renz decided to have a fundraiser to defray the cost of the surgery.
The fundraiser was held yesterday at the Athens Real Estate Co., 540 West Union Street. The event, which featured live music, a magician and carnival style games, made a dent in the hospital bills, Tuttle said.
Although the family did not want to share how much was raised at yesterday’s event for privacy purposes, Tuttle added the affair was a “great success.”
“We’re raising a ton … right now,” she said, adding that crowds were fluctuating throughout the day.
To donate to Ed Renz, visit EdRenz.com.
