Help After Sepsis, Amputation and CHF

As many of you recall, back in June, my brother Kevin Wilcoxen was diagnosed with Congestive Heart Failure (CHF).   After several successful lifestyle changes, Kevin was on the road to a healthier life.  He was eating much better, lost a significant amount of weight, and was headed in the right direction.

Kevin has lived with type 1 diabetes for the last 47 years.  In early August,  Kevin was unexpectedly admitted to the hospital with a deadly infection in his legs. It quickly became septic, affecting his blood stream and bones. The primary source of the infection was his right foot.  Kevin was admitted to the ICU and to maximize his chances of survival, the doctors decided removing part of the right leg was the only option.

While recovering from his amputation, he went back to ICU due to pneumonia and ended up heavily sedated and intubated.  After 4+ weeks bedridden in the hospital, he was finally stable enough to move to a rehabilitation center.
 
During this difficult time we came to the realization that Kevin was not going to be able to return to his apartment in Charlton, MA.  His apartment was emptied of all of his belongings and is now being stored at my home in Norton.  It just wasn't conducive to a wheelchair and he was much too far away from family who need to keep a closer eye on him.

He has recently been able to start with much needed physical and occupational therapies to learn how to live with CHF and his amputation.  Although he has yet to be able to stand on his remaining limb, he is making slow and steady progress.

Sadly, because of these injuries Kevin is no longer able to work.  Right now Kevin has no income and is struggling to pay basic bills.  Funds raised from this GoFundMe page will give you an opportunity to help Kevin with the financial burden of the current and long-term out of pocket expenses including medical equipment that his health insurance does not cover (stair chair lift, Bed Rail, vehicle hand controls, etc.) and everyday living expenses.  When Kevin leaves Rehab he will moving in with Bruce (my Saint of a husband and Kevin's brother-in-law) and myself.  We are scrambling to modify the house the best we can before he arrives to his new home in Norton with his wheelchair.   

Many of you are aware that Kevin has spent his life dedicated to helping youth of all kinds. This has included many years working at Camp Joslin for Boys with Diabetes and helping them cope with their challenges.  He also has spent over 25 years working with troubled and emotionally disadvantaged children helping them feel successful in their young lives.

We hope that you will consider helping my brother, Kevin during this very difficult time.  No donation is too small.  

Thank you all, with out all of this support keeping positive thoughts throughout all of this would not be possible.

Also, lets try to share this where ever you think there may be a good audience to read Kevin's story.

Thank you from the bottom of our hearts,
Kevin's sisters Laurie McMullin & Christine Rose