Hot Springs Broadcast Network

11/03/2025

John Jennings Cooksey passed away on October 29, 2025, following a critical battle against an unknown medical enemy. A beloved fixture of the Hot Springs community, John spent decades building a life and supporting friends and organizations here. His personal example of mentorship and love of music, videography, drones and livestreaming became synonymous with Hot Springs and gave rise to his positive and popular Hot Springs Broadcast Network.

He is survived by the love of his life, Anne Talmage Cooksey, and his devoted sons, Benjamin and Daniel.

A formal obituary and details surrounding a celebration of life will be forthcoming from Hot Springs Funeral Home.

10/10/2025

10-09-25 Update

John has now completed 5 rounds of plasma exchange. His feeding schedule stabilized as we found a rhythm that seemed to work for him.

This week we have seen John’s visual focus improve dramatically. He is looking at individuals and, we think, responding to his environment with yawns, loud sounds and even some boredom! He is regularly vocalizing for the first time since the seizures. His limb strength is improving dramatically day by day. On Wednesday we lobbied to have PT/OT assess him bedside. While they had tried previously, John’s visual disturbance in response to sitting up prevented further inquiry at that time. This time, he was braced upright on the edge of the bed, his head was supported, and he was able to track and follow subtle verbal instructions. He seems to respond best when his care team is calm, patient and cautious.

This week we also have perceived improved interactions with his nursing staff. We would be lost without nursing assistance for a hospital stay this profound, and we’re grateful to see the staff understand that he is reliant on them for his basic health and hygiene.

Today, John was visited by the neuro team, the aphersesis team, a respiratory therapist, and the nurse overseeing his exchange—all at the same time. He handled the interactions well and has been increasingly vocal since then. He has also been vocal when friends have visited. (There is some evidence that patients with autoimmune encephalitis—one theory of the case—will vocalize thinking that they are talking complete sentences when only sounds are coming out.)

We have been advised to be cautious about the effects of the plasma exchange and its potential for impacting John’s health. It will take time to see the results from this week as his system attempts to create healthy antibodies. In the meantime we continue to welcome friends to his room in the neuro ward and on Ramble.

Words fail to adequately reflect our gratitude for all our friends who have thoughtfully provided meals, encouragement, gift cards, visits, suggestions and just a shoulder to cry on. I believe John knows all of this. Friends tell us that John is visiting in dreams as well with an “I’m coming back” message. We continue to lean on all of you with humility, faith and thanks.

-Jean

10/07/2025

Update 10-07-25
(From John’s sister, Jean)

Thanks to everyone who has requested an update on my brother John. (Often it’s hard to know when to update because the situation faces numerous and evolving hurdles.) On September 14 after a few days at UAMS, we confirmed that John was having seizures. The extent of these episodes remains unclear, but he is on an antiseizure medication as well as the normal battery of Wegener’s meds. John completed his brain biopsy. Within a short time after, he began temporary feeding via nasal cannula.

Doctors relayed that the the biopsy was inconclusive. No new degradations. No smoking gun that would point them toward a treatment. A general consensus was reached to begin plasmapheresis (plasma exchange, or “plexx”) to remove the harmful antibodies and help his body replace them with healthy ones.

Meanwhile, we waited for a slot to get a G tube placed in his abdomen. During this time, John lost a significant amount of weight. The success of the G tube has been slow.

Last Wednesday, John had a deep vein port placed to begin the plexx treatment; a few hours later he had his first exchange. We have had 3 treatments out of 5 in the first round. it’s similar to dialysis with a large very loud machine bedside. We all agree that he has perked up since beginning the plexx. It’s also hard on his system, though.

We are at John’s bedside 24-7 keeping in physical contact with him at all times, keeping him safe, and talking and sharing music with him. Annie is now looking for respite assistance so that she can get out of the room or nap. If you have the ability to visit with bedbound patients and would like to brighten our doorstep at UAMS, please reach out.

John’s cognitive limitations are profound, and, we hope, temporary. We are praying that the plasma exchange brings him back to us. Every few days, the neurologist on rotation changes. Sometimes this leads to different “theories” or avenues; then the next doctor disagrees. It’s exhausting.

This is a very difficult journey for everyone, most of all John. Some part of his otherwise brilliant brain is blocking his ability to receive information and communicate with us. So we persevere and hope that the plasma exchange will bring him back to health.

We ask that you continue to pray for restoration, comfort and strength. Your texts, dinners, messages and visits sustain us all.

09/21/2025

John was re-admitted to UAMS on Friday, September 5, 2025 for the third time in less than two months. Treatments have failed. He has grown steadily worse. He is having a brain biopsy tomorrow so we can get some definitive answers. Please continue to pray for our beloved husband, father, son, brother, friend, and mentor. Thank you.

Annie

09/11/2025

September Update:

John was re-admitted to UAMS on Friday, September 5th after experiencing a major decline in his recovery. More aggressive treatments are underway to gain back the precious ground that was lost. Thank you for your continued love, support, and prayers for this beloved man…husband, father, brother, son, mentor, friend…

Annie

08/14/2025

08/14/2025

08/12/2025

08/11/2025

Update #6

John was discharged from UAMS on Tuesday, August 5th. After more evaluation, he was considered stable enough to go home and continue his care on an outpatient basis. This includes neurology, rheumatology, urology, and ophthalmology as well as physical, occupational, and speech therapies. We’ve spent the week rearranging & setting up our home with the help of family & friends to provide a safe living space for John.

He is dealing with new brain lesions, brain inflammation, and more micro brain bleeds. We are still waiting on test results that will determine the direction of his treatment.

He’s happy to be home in familiar surroundings with his family and pets. If you would like to visit or call, he can only do 5-10 minutes at a time. He tires quickly, getting withdrawn & confused.

However, each day at home brings hope as we see the small, incremental steps forward in his recovery.

Thank you again for your love, support, and continued prayers.

07/31/2025

Update #5

His bright smile comes & goes…but he’s a fighter.

He’s still in UAMS under observation and receiving treatment as additional tests are being run. They are moving cautiously toward a diagnosis as more data is compiled. Neurology, Rheumatology, Internal Medicine, Urology, Infectious Disease, and Cleveland Clinic are all involved.

Whenever he is discharged he’ll be going to a skilled nursing/rehab in Hot Springs for 30 days…

Thank you for holding us up with your continued prayers, love, support, and encouragement.

Present moment…one breath at a time…❤️

07/26/2025

Update #4

Between Thursday and Friday, John’s condition worsened. I called 911. He was stabilized at CHI St. Vincent’s in Hot Springs…then sent by ambulance to UAMS where he was admitted again last night. There’s a lot going on with his body and his brain…he’s relieved and grateful to be here. I’ll keep you updated as we know more. As always, thank you for your love, prayers, and support as we look for answers.

Anne Cooksey

07/23/2025

Update #3

John was strong enough to be discharged yesterday afternoon. His UAMS neurology and rheumatology team will continue working together, doing testing and treatment on an outpatient basis. They are determined to get to the bottom of this.

The change from hospital to home is big so he’s a little more confused, tired, but happy to be home, emotional…on the couch lying down, watching movies…sleeping well in his own bed. Being on familiar territory is healing right now…but physically, his left side has issues…the white matter that has increased significantly in the brain may be a form of encephalitis. The behavioral neurologist said it was good we got him to the ER when we did and had him admitted…we didn’t ignore the exponentially multiplying erratic behavior and symptoms so we got to it earlier than most. Wegener’s may still be part of the equation…no stone is being left unturned.

My friend, who is a CNA, begins home health care and sitting with him today. I am handling his phone right now. He rests better without it in his possession. I will relay any questions, messages, texts, prayers, and good wishes to him, responding when necessary.

Again, we would be grateful if you would continue to bless him with your prayers and love. When we know more, I’ll let you know.

Annie