“Dey Tek It Out!” Father Jeremy’s Tumour Successfully Removed 

Father Jeremy Zipple says his brain surgery was a success and the tumour has been removed, the St John’s College priest confirmed on social media.

Zipple, who has served in Belize for the past eight years, said he is now recovering in the Neuro ICU and expects to remain there until Sunday.

“Friends, dey tek it out! Surgery was a success and tumor is out. I’m now recovering in the Neuro ICU probably until Sunday, and it’s difficult to send messages as my brain recovers. I feel like I got run over by a freight train,” Zipple said.

Zipple’s tumour, described by doctors as golf ball-sized and located near the base of his brain, was discovered after he experienced persistent headaches while visiting family in the US. 

“Please know how filled up and truly overwhelmed with gratitude I am for the prayers, the encouragement, the messages, THE LOVE. There’s just no way I would have gotten through this without YOU,” he added.

In his status update, Zipple also took the opportunity to ask for the same kind of support to be extended to others also facing medical battles. “Special prayers for my bwai Billy Maheia battle cancer right now & Milagro recovering from her own brain surgery,” he said. 

Milagro Garel is a long-time children’s advocate in Belize who suffered a ruptured cerebral aneurysm on July 28. Garel remains in critical condition and was transferred to Guatemala for specialised neurosurgical care unavailable in Belize. 

A GoFundMe launched by her family is still active and seeking to meet the $85,000 needed to cover emergency transport, surgery, intensive care and related medical expenses. The GoFundMe account has accumulated 59% of the fundraising goal.