Midwest Hyperbaric Institute, P.C. in Bolingbrook is conducting a study of an innovative treatment using Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) — oxygen under pressure — in the treatment of TBI (Traumatic Brain Injury). HBOT is a medical treatment which enhances the body’s natural healing process by inhalation of 100% oxygen in a total body chamber where atmospheric pressure is increased and controlled.

HBOT is presently gaining widespread recognition for its value in new applications in the field of neurology where it is being used for problems such as traumatic brain injury, stroke, and other neurological disorders.

Drs. August Martinucci, M.D. and Ronalt Holt, M.D. oversee the study that will provide a course of 40 hyperbaric sessions in order to gather results as to its effect on the healing of damaged brain tissues. There is strong reason to believe that this approach may be very successful.

Sgt. Timothy Kathol (US Army – retired) has been approved for the study under a grant sponsored by Bolingbrook VFW Post 5917 – Post 5917. Tim served two tours in Iraq as a reconnaissance scout and a gunner on a Humvee. He was injured multiple times: he was knocked unconscious, suffered a concussion and bruising when a small IED exploded next to his truck; he was hit by two more IED’s suffering a concussion each time, but not rendered unconscious.

In June of 2004, he was hit by a VBED -Vehicle Borne Explosive Devise (car bomb) - while on patrol in Sadr City, Iraq - one of the most dangerous and volatile regions in all of Iraq at the time - his vehicle had not been up-armored. Tim was thrown to the back of the jeep and suffered severe trauma to his lower back. He received minimal care while in theater and continued to serve until April of 2005. Tim is able to walk and move normally, but not without considerable pain and discomfort.

Tim was diagnosed with TBI and Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and was medically discharged from the Army.

Traumatic Brian Injury When trauma to the brain occurs, brain cells die from lack of oxygen. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy can minimize the effects of TBI, especially if administered right away. Hyperbaric oxygen increases oxygen in the blood, thereby decreasing the possibility of hypoxia. It also constricts the blood vessel without reducing tissue oxygen concentration. Hyperbaric oxygen is a safe and effective treatment for traumatic brain injury patients that improves function and reduces mortality. (Note: Tim is also being treated by Dr.Turner for his back pain and other TBI related symptoms.)

The Wounded Soldier Fundraiser

The Laurus Foundation is proud to be partnering with The Wounded Soldier Fundraiser. The mission is to help make a difference in the lives of our wounded American Heroes by providing funding and positive support during the service member's transition back into the civilian community following a life changing injury.

The founders, Ed and Judy Huss, made a $5,000.00 contribution to the Laurus Foundation to help with the purchase of a van for Sgt.Tim Kathol (mentioned above). The funds will be bundled with donations from the Disabled Patriot Fund. The van will make it easier for Tim and his family (aka, The Kathol Six Pack) to get around and make it to the many doctor visits they have each week for Tim and two of his four children who also live with a disability.
A BIG THANK YOU to Ed and Judy.

Thank you also to Roger and Rita Manka of Lincolnshire, IL for their donation of $1000.00 to help with interim transportation for Tim to attend the 8 weeks of HBOT sessions until the van can be purchased later this month.