Jim Craft’s story: From sudden numbness to brain surgery and back on his feet

Jim Craft was at work at HCA Florida Citrus Hospital, where he serves as a patient transporter, when he noticed something strange: tingling in his legs. Over the next several weeks, the symptoms grew harder to ignore — and eventually became life-threatening.

When “something feels off” starts to escalate

At first, it was leg cramping at night. Then Jim began falling at home and struggled with everyday tasks like getting dressed. For nearly two months, he tried to push through while worrying about what might be causing the changes.

When his walking became affected, friends and coworkers urged him to get checked out. A few days later, Jim noticed numbness in his hands. Shortly after that, his arm went numb and he knew it was time.

A middle-of-the-night emergency

One night around 3:00am, Jim collapsed while trying to walk to the bathroom and hit his head. Unable to move, he army-crawled and pulled himself upright against a chair. He called out to his 13-year-old son, Joey, for help.

Citrus County Fire Rescue arrived quickly and transported him to the HCA Florida Citrus Hospital emergency room. Jim was taken in as a rapid response, with a care team immediately surrounding him. “They saved my life,” he says.

Diagnostic testing revealed the cause: a 7 cm mass in his brain. Jim was transferred to HCA Florida Ocala Hospital for neurosurgery.

Surgery and a coordinated team across hospitals

At HCA Florida Ocala Hospital, Jim’s care team prepared him for surgery, including close monitoring for heart rhythm and brain activity. Neurosurgeon Dr. Rai performed the procedure.

The surgery was successful. Jim’s surgeon removed 99% of the mass. The remaining 1% was left in place because it was attached near his left eye, and removing it risked vision loss.

Jim says the teamwork and communication stood out across both hospitals.

Rehab: “Learning how to walk again”

After surgery, Jim continued healing and was later transferred to HCA Florida West Marion Hospital for inpatient rehabilitation. There, he worked through intensive physical therapy, occupational therapy and speech therapy several days a week. “I felt like a baby, learning how to walk again.” Jim said.

Jim treated recovery like a full-time job. Although he was told it could take three to four months, he progressed quickly and completed inpatient rehab in about a week and a half. From the Citrus Hospital ER to surgery and recovery, his hospital journey spanned about three weeks.

Continuing recovery at home — and ringing the bell

After discharge, Jim continued rebuilding strength with support from HCA Healthcare at Home, receiving nursing and therapy visits each week for several months.

He also completed 32 radiation treatments. On Feb. 6, 2026, Jim finished his last course of radiation and rang the bell signaling completion.

Getting back to life (and back to work)

Five months after his initial diagnosis, Jim stays focused on strength, movement and healthy nutrition. He’s walking five days a week and set up a mini gym in his garage to keep improving “The road to recovery was long, but it was filled with support,” he says.

Jim’s advice for other oncology patients

“Have faith in yourself and don’t get scared. If you’re at an HCA Healthcare hospital, you’re in good hands. Never give up.”