Forrest Wychopen Medical Fund
Donation protected
Forrest was diagnosed with Secondary Progressive Multiple Sclerosis in 2000. He has been bed ridden for the past seven years, with just an occasional trip out to see his doctor and trips to the ER. He needs total care and can do nothing for himself. He is a functional quadraplegic.
In the past year, we saw a huge decline in his health. He had lost lots of weight and was much weaker. Several of his newer symptoms were frightening, and honestly, we really thought his days were numbered.
In August, truly beyond our ability to care for him as he needed, we made an appointment with a new neurologist and when we listed all our concerns, his answer was, "We need to get you to TIRR, The Woodlands Inpatient Rehab, for evaluation."
Fortunately, his insurance agreed and he was admitted for a four week stay. During this time he was seen by so many amazing professionals, and the gains he has made have been phenomenal. He has worked so hard in Speech Therapy, Occupational Therapy, and Physical Therapy. He has had surgery, been seen by an orthopedist, and is being sent home with instructions in continuing his care, including continuing his speech, physical, and occupational therapy.
Forrest is now in need of some equipment. Some of this equipment will be covered by his insurance, but there are some costs involved (co pays) and other items are not covered but just as necessary, and will need to be purchased out of pocket.
There are two rather expensive items that he will need as soon as possible. One is an amazing wheelchair that was specially designed for him. With this chair, he will be able to get out of his bed for 6-8 hours a day, as prescribed by his doctors and therapists. This wheelchair has chin controls that he can use since he no longer has much functional use of his hands. Being in an upright postition is so very important in maintaining good lung function and preventing infections, such as pneumonia. The wheel chair he needs has been priced at $25,000. We just received word that the insurance company has approved coverage for the wheel chair, but the co pay we owe is significant.
The second thing that we will need is a wheel chair accessible vehicle. Because of Forrest's lack of upper body strength, he cannot sit in a regular vehicle. He falls over, and the process of transferring him is very painful. The physical therapist told us that it is important that Forrest be able to remain in his chair for transports, etc., to prevent fatigue and pressure sores, and to reduce injury from transfers. With an accessible vehicle, we will be able to get him to and from his doctor appointments. Those of you who have been following our story know the trial that transportation has been for us. And he hopes to be able to take his grandchildren to the park and maybe even leave home for a few hours, just for a break.
Other, ongoing expenses include medical supplies not covered by his insurance, copays, other medical equipment like a tilt table, a motor for the Hoyer lift and any other devices recommended by his doctors and therapists.
Many people have encouraged us to do a fundraiser for Forrest to help in meeting the needs we've just listed, so we have decided to do just that. Many have asked how they can help, or what they can do....this would be an amazing way to tangibly help improve Forrest's quality of life in huge ways and give him the gift of being able to LIVE the rest of the life God gives him.
Thank you for your love for our family, for your support, your prayers, your understanding and your willingness to be the hands and feet of Jesus for our family. God bless you!
In the past year, we saw a huge decline in his health. He had lost lots of weight and was much weaker. Several of his newer symptoms were frightening, and honestly, we really thought his days were numbered.
In August, truly beyond our ability to care for him as he needed, we made an appointment with a new neurologist and when we listed all our concerns, his answer was, "We need to get you to TIRR, The Woodlands Inpatient Rehab, for evaluation."
Fortunately, his insurance agreed and he was admitted for a four week stay. During this time he was seen by so many amazing professionals, and the gains he has made have been phenomenal. He has worked so hard in Speech Therapy, Occupational Therapy, and Physical Therapy. He has had surgery, been seen by an orthopedist, and is being sent home with instructions in continuing his care, including continuing his speech, physical, and occupational therapy.
Forrest is now in need of some equipment. Some of this equipment will be covered by his insurance, but there are some costs involved (co pays) and other items are not covered but just as necessary, and will need to be purchased out of pocket.
There are two rather expensive items that he will need as soon as possible. One is an amazing wheelchair that was specially designed for him. With this chair, he will be able to get out of his bed for 6-8 hours a day, as prescribed by his doctors and therapists. This wheelchair has chin controls that he can use since he no longer has much functional use of his hands. Being in an upright postition is so very important in maintaining good lung function and preventing infections, such as pneumonia. The wheel chair he needs has been priced at $25,000. We just received word that the insurance company has approved coverage for the wheel chair, but the co pay we owe is significant.
The second thing that we will need is a wheel chair accessible vehicle. Because of Forrest's lack of upper body strength, he cannot sit in a regular vehicle. He falls over, and the process of transferring him is very painful. The physical therapist told us that it is important that Forrest be able to remain in his chair for transports, etc., to prevent fatigue and pressure sores, and to reduce injury from transfers. With an accessible vehicle, we will be able to get him to and from his doctor appointments. Those of you who have been following our story know the trial that transportation has been for us. And he hopes to be able to take his grandchildren to the park and maybe even leave home for a few hours, just for a break.
Other, ongoing expenses include medical supplies not covered by his insurance, copays, other medical equipment like a tilt table, a motor for the Hoyer lift and any other devices recommended by his doctors and therapists.
Many people have encouraged us to do a fundraiser for Forrest to help in meeting the needs we've just listed, so we have decided to do just that. Many have asked how they can help, or what they can do....this would be an amazing way to tangibly help improve Forrest's quality of life in huge ways and give him the gift of being able to LIVE the rest of the life God gives him.
Thank you for your love for our family, for your support, your prayers, your understanding and your willingness to be the hands and feet of Jesus for our family. God bless you!
Organizer
Paula Wychopen
Organizer
Spring, TX
