PORT EWEN, N.Y. — It’s been more than 30 years since Jeffrey Lewis of Esopus underwent a life-or-death operation in which half his brain was removed.
Now, 36 years old, Lewis is doing well, showcasing his photographs of eagles throughout July at the town’s public library in Port Ewen. A photograph taken by Jeffrey Lewis of a bald eagle is part of his work on display at the Town of Esopus Library in Port Ewen, N.Y.
, on Wednesday, July 10, 2024. (Connor Greco/Daily Freeman) Jeffrey lost the right side of his brain in a surgery treating Rasmussen’s encephalitis, a rare disease that eats away brain tissue. As a result, he lost the use of his right arm and suffered significant vision loss.
While Jeffrey is doing well, his mother, Lynda, said it hasn’t been all smiles. “Last March, he had a major, life-threatening crisis,” she said. “He had blood clots in his legs that traveled to both of his lungs.
” “He’s now going to be on blood thinners for the rest of his life,” she added. During his medical emergency, Jeffrey could not go out on his almost daily walks, which inspired much of his photography. His dad took him out for rides in the car in the meantime.
Despite recent medical struggles, Jeffrey is back outside, taking photos around Esopus. “I bounced back bigger and better than ever,” he said. Jeffrey spends much of his time in nature around the town, taking photos of everything from clouds to birds, to chipmunks.
He said many of his photos come from hi.
