Funds Being Raised for Springfield Father of Three with Parkinson's

Springfield, NJ -- Diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease when Sean Culleton was 39, his brain has been deteriorating ever since.

Over the past 10 years his disease has progressed slowly and has now taken over the left side of his body, his head, and he is now showing symptoms on his right side.

But there is hope.

Culleton found out he was a candidate for DBS surgery, which will help restore brain stimulation. The DBS surgery will allow Culleton to have two small electrodes implanted into his brain and have a neurotransmitter implanted in his chest to control his movements.

However, it is very expensive and his health care doesn't cover much.

"Without surgery he won't be able to continue on in his job," Steven's sister Megan Gill told Patch. "Doctors told him when he was diagnosed that he had about eight more years in his job because it's a physical job... They were pretty dead on with their estimate."

Culleton’s portion of the surgery bills and follow up visits can cost anywhere between $30,000 and $70,000. Plus he will he will most likely be out of work for a month.

As a father of three, Culleton works as a shop mechanic and tow operator and his salary and benefits will not come close to covering the cost of surgery. This burden will also impact his family.

However, the surgery should bring him back to 100 percent health so he can continue working.

Looking out for her brother Megan started a gofundme site to help him cover medical expenses. In one month, the site has already raised more than $15,000.

“The response has been overwhelming,” said Megan. “I didn’t think we would raise this much money. We are very grateful. It’s looking like the surgery will be a reality.”

Additionally, on Friday, April 8 a live music fundraiser will be held to help Culleton with his surgery.

“Enough Said” will perform at the Springfield/Hillside Elks, which Culleton is a member. The event will be held at 80 Springfield Avenue in Springfield.

To donate to the gofundme site CLICK HERE.

(Photo, gofundme: Sean Culleton)