use the restroom, and my speech and vision could be compromised. It was all so terrifying. First and foremost, I obviously wanted to be healthy, but, secondly, I could not imagine being unable to fly and losing the one career I had worked toward my whole life.” Evan’s surgery lasted eight hours. Afterward, Dr. McGowan informed the family that he was able to remove all of the tumor but wouldn’t know if Evan had suffered any neurologic injuries until he was fully awake. The morning after surgery, Dr. McGowan examined him and happily reported Evan had not suffered any adverse consequences to surgery. “I could just see it in his face—he was basically dancing,” said Lyn. “Dr. McGowan said they could not find any evidence of neurologic complications. None of us could believe it. We were overjoyed!“ “As with any abnormality, it’s beneficial to catch and treat it early, which we were fortunate to do for Evan,” said Dr. McGowan. Evan sees it a little differently, however. “As strange as it sounds, I really believe that all of these changes were put in my path so I would be in Idaho,” he said. “Without the injury to my dog or the sale of my Jeep or a quick escalation within my new job, I never would have been in Coeur d’Alene and I wouldn’t have had this amazing surgeon on my team. Dr. McGowan saved my life.” He now sees Dr. McGowan every three months for testing and scans. Evan’s tumor was not cancerous, and thanks to the skills of a highly trained surgeon, his care team and the innovative technology available at Kootenai Health, Evan is happy to report that he has had zero complications and takes no medications. “I see no reason why Evan would not be able to fly again,” said Dr. McGowan. While Evan waits for clearance from the FAA to take to the skies again, he enjoys spending a lot of time with family and doting on his other dog. “It’ so great just soaking up family time. I wouldn’t trade it for all the flying in the world.” Giving is lifesaving Kootenai Health Foundation depends on donations, large and small, to help fund critical equipment, programs and services at Kootenai Health. Contact the Foundation office at (208) 625-4438 or email foundation@kh.org to learn more. Evan and his surviving dog, Mako. Dr. McGowan and Evan Dansereau. KH.ORG 7
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy ODQ1MTY=