Paul DiGangi Part 2

My beloved husband Paul has been critically ill since Monday 27 January; in a medically induced coma with H1N1, pneumonia, Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS) and sepsis due to a perforated bowel from diverticulitis. He is on life support. Doctors say he is critical and are considering his situation "hour by hour".



Prior to his hospitalization, Paul and I were both sick with pneumonia and bronchitis. He exhausted all of his sick time. He will have only ten weeks of paid time off. Since I tutor, I am only paid when I work. I missed a few weeks prior to my hospitalization for pneumonia and H1N1. I don't know when I will return to my part-time job and haven't had a paycheck in two weeks.


We do have health insurance, but our financial needs are overwhelming at this time. If Paul does live through this, we are facing massive time out of work with no pay after ten weeks. He may have to go to a Long Term Care Facility and face extensive rehab. We live frugally, but living expenses, car, insurance, copays, visiting nurses, prescriptions etc., exceed what we are bringing in. We have no savings or assets we can rely upon.


There has been an incredible outpouring of love, support, comfort and prayers and everyone has asked how they can help. I thought I would provide a vehicle for financial support to those who wish to help in a very concrete way.


I set the goal of $6000 which is our bare minimum expenses for three months with no pay coming in. I know if Paul lives through this, the last thing he needs to be worried about is how we are going to keep our home and pay our bills.



Your help, love, concern, compassion, prayers and support have helped me to face this nightmare with hope and appreciation. Thank you from my heart, Patti