A GoFundMe account has been set up to raise money for Scott Aumen, a decorated race car driver from Duncan and longtime member of the Cowichan Valley sports community who has been battling serious health issues over the last few years.
Aumen first started experiencing chest pains that left him unable to work. After seeking medical advice, he had surgery that was supposed to allow him to return to work and live a normal life, but it was unsuccessful in that regard.
The Aumen family then expanded the search for treatment, leading to a consultation with the Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, Florida, and a diagnosis of central sensitization syndrome, a rare medical condition that affects the nervous system.
Later in July, Aumen will travel to Florida for a three-week rehabilitation program. Because the program is not covered by the provincial medical system, the family is looking at a large medical bill. Along with airfare, accommodations, transportation, meals and medication, they expect the costs to exceed $75,000.
“Our parents are hard workers and never ask for help, so we are asking for your help for them,” Aumen’s children, Braydon, Bradley and Ashton, wrote on the GoFundMe page. “Our hope is that dad can regain his health, his quality of life and mom can stop worrying. Our main priority is to have our dad back to living without pain. Anything you can do to help with the cost of treatment would be immensely appreciated by all of us.”
Aumen was a 2017 inductee into the Victoria Auto Racing Hall of Fame, and also coached minor football in the Cowichan Valley. His family was involved in other sports locally, including basketball and field hockey.
The GoFundMe account can me found here.