From an Uncertain Future to an Inspiring Outcome
Diagnosed with an aggressive form of Multiple Sclerosis (M.S.) four years ago, 44-year-old Jason Coulter was told he had 6 months left to live. As his health began to rapidly decline in 2023 affecting his mobility, his appetite, his memory, and most significantly his independence, his wife and caregiver, Buffy, recognized that she could no longer provide the quality of life he deserved.
Married for more than 20 years, neither would have guessed they would need such extensive medical support at this point in their lives. But once NorthStar Care Community member Hospice of Michigan stepped in, they were so grateful for the extra layer of support.
Pursing a Passion Despite the Odds
Those who know Jason know him as a hard worker, a good friend, and a skilled diesel mechanic. Born and raised in Gaylord, he grew up around trucks and began his career as a Diesel Mechanic. His extensive knowledge of vehicles and experience most recently earned him the position of Tech Supervisor, overseeing 13 other diesel mechanics.
All of Jason’s career goals came to a sudden halt when he received his diagnosis in 2019. Learning about M.S. and its disabling effect on the nervous system, Jason immediately began building his dream pole barn – a space for passion projects right outside his home where he could teach his son, Bruce, and his son’s friends everything he knows about engines and vehicles.
Between finishing the barn and working on various engine rebuild projects, his health continued to decline and in May 2023, Jason and his family determined they needed the extra help that Hospice of Michigan could provide. His physical condition deteriorated quickly and more so, he began to lose his memory. For weeks at a time, he couldn’t remember how to use his phone or even remember who his wife was.
Though overwhelmed and frightened by Jason’s intense decline, Buffy knew her husband best and held onto a sliver of hope. She stated, “A part of me just knew there was a piece of him still in there. My gut knew it. We need to keep taking him to what he knows so he has something to fight to come back for.” They knew they needed to take him back to his barn; back to what he loves. But his wheelchair couldn’t roll down the driveway. Knowing how important this was, Buffy and Bruce would physically carry Jason about 40 yards up and down the driveway, but they knew this exhausting feat wasn’t sustainable.
Support Every Step of the Way
Unlike anything the care team had seen before, Jason unexpectedly started making progress. After months of a foggy memory, his awareness began to slowly return! Recalling specific moments from past months was challenging, but the moments Jason does remember is being in his beloved barn. Yet as he continued to fight his disease, there was still no practical way to get to it.
Buffy and their social worker, Shalene, began reaching out to the community for funding to purchase a motorized tracking wheelchair – outfitted with tracks instead of wheels to ride over rough surfaces like gravel or dirt. For Jason, getting to the barn meant everything. Most importantly, it provided independence to do what he was born to do.
It was not easy for Jason and Buffy to find help in funding this specialized equipment, but the Gestures of Grace Fund was able to provide help in this area. The Gestures of Grace Fund helps patients at Arbor Hospice and Hospice of Michigan in covering unmet needs for items that improve quality of life but are not covered by insurance.
By the end of March 2024, Jason defied the odds, “graduating” from hospice care and transitioning to NorthStar Palliative Care. Continuing to battle the effects of M.S., Jason and Buffy are grateful to still have an extra layer of support that made the transition seamless. Buffy comments, “Within the first 24 hours of enrolling into Hospice of Michigan, we had the tools we needed to take care of him that we didn’t have before. And honestly, I was nervous to let go of all the support. But already, NorthStar Palliative care has answered all our questions and continues to walk with us through every step of the way.”
“He went from almost dying back to thriving” -Buffy, wife of Jason
While Jason’s end-of-life journey is unlike most, comfort and quality of life remain at the center of patient care whether it is in hospice or palliative care. When it comes time, the NorthStar Care Community will be there when it is needed most, staying true to its mission to care for anyone – regardless of age, diagnosis, or financial circumstance.
You can help ensure that everyone who needs it, like Jason and his family, receives the best quality of life by donating to Arbor Hospice’s Gestures of Grace Fund. Each gift, large or small, directly impacts patients and families in your community in a profound way.
To learn more about NorthStar Palliative Care, visit: northstarpalliative.org
To learn more about Gestures of Grace, visit: hom.org/gestures-of-grace
Whizzing from the house to the barn with excitement, Jason’s current project is a “Mudbogger” for the Michigan Mud-Jam this fall, an annual event in Northern Michigan for off-roading enthusiasts.