Case Study #92 - Ted Practicing Law

"Ted Practicing Law" Oil on Canvas. 2021

Theodore W. (Ted) Goodman, lives in Murfreesboro, Tennessee, with his wife, Kelly, and son Will. Ted has Neurofibromatosis (Type I) and scoliosis (curvature of the spine) that is often associated with NF. Ted wore a back brace from the age of 14 until he was 20. Though Ted had several Neurofibroma tumors removed as a child, he was not formally diagnosed with Neurofibromatosis until he was 25 years old when it was discovered in the course a military physical. 

As a law-student at the University of Tennessee, Ted received offers of commission as a Judge Advocate General (JAG) Officer from the Army and the Airforce. However, those offers were contingent upon receiving a satisfactory medical examination. During a follow up military physical in April, the doctor detected symptoms of spinal cord compression and ordered an MRI. The MRI revealed two Neurofibroma tumors located at C1 and C2 (the top of the spinal cord, near the base of the brain). Later that week, with just two weeks remaining before law school graduation, and only 12 weeks before the bar exam, Ted consulted with a neurosurgeon who informed Ted that he would have to cancel his plans to take the bar exam because he would be recuperating from a major neurosurgery to remove the tumors. The doctors informed Ted that he would never be able to serve in the military. In the matter of just a few days, Ted’s military career evaporated and he learned he would be undergoing major surgery. However, Ted was very fortunate because his spinal cord compression was discovered mere weeks before doctors believed he would have likely experienced permanent partial or total paralysis. Without the military commission and subsequent medical exams, Ted’s condition would not have been discovered in time.

While recovering from his surgery, Ted studied for the bar exam. Ted returned to his native Murfreesboro, married Kelly (who stuck by his side through the entire ordeal), opened his law practice, and eventually became a partner at Murfree & Goodman, PLLC, focusing his practice in estate planning, probate, business, and real estate law.

Prep Sketch

Ted’s neurologist, Dr. Paul Moots, envisioned founding a non-profit corporation to provide support for NF patients, their families, and public awareness initiatives. Dr. Moots’ vision came to life with the creation of NF Tennessee, Inc. Ted volunteered his time to perform the legal work necessary to establish the organization, and has served on its board since its inception. NF Tennessee has provided support (including laptop computers) directly to NF patients, has sent children with NF to summer camps for NF children, and has advocated for the interests of NF patients at the local, state, and federal government levels.

Ted also serves on Board of Directors of the Lascassas Volunteer Fire Department, the Tennessee Bar Association House of Delegates, The Webb School Alumni Board, the Board of Directors of Oaklands Mansion Historic House Museum, and has served in many other organizations. Ted enjoys spending time on his family’s farm with his wife and son.

Case Study #91 - Jason Stripping Copper Wire

"Jason Stripping Copper Wire" Oil on Canvas. 30" x 24"

Jason Britt Thompson was born with NF. He currently lives in Jackson, Tennessee. His doctors said he would not live to see 14 years, but he proved them wrong. Jason is the only one in his family to have NF. Jason has two older brothers who do not have NF. He traced his ancestry back to 3 sets of great grand parents on both sides, but found no trace of it which led him to believe that his is due to a spontaneous gene mutation. 

Jason's NF has been hard for him as his left eye has no socket and it pulses with his brain. Jason's right eye has a skin fold that he was born with encompassing a large NF tumor. The doctors put in balloons under the skin to stretch it out so the skin on his right sight side.

Prep Sketch

Jason was put in a body cast at 6 years old for a leg tumor. A few years later when he was 9 years old he had metal rods put in his spine. As an adult in 2010, Jason went to see if sinus surgery would help as he was having problems with his eye tumors. The optic glioma (eye tumor) is causing him to start to lose his vision.

After high school, Jason worked at McDonald's and eventually became a manager. It took awhile for his disability to get approved, but after 6 years and several courts, it finally happened. Jason finds dating to be difficult and he certainly does not want to have his own children believing that passing NF onto children would make their lives very problematic. He is very open to dating someone who already has kids or even adopting together if that special woman ever wanted to do that. Currently, Jason strips wire for copper or takes apart ac units for copper coils and sell them for extra money. Jason also loves to fish and garden.