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BOB KELLER MEDICAL & RECOVERY FUND

A few weeks ago, my dad started his work day like almost any other, on the job site, ready to start a project to make a family’s home better in some way. Coming down a ladder from an attic, he began feeling light-headed, with a tightness in his chest. This was likely terrifying, given that he has a family history of a heart disease that has claimed the lives of his father and two sisters.

Thankfully, a friend was there to take him to Enloe Hospital in Chico, where it was quickly discovered that he was in dire need of life-saving surgery, one that Enloe wasn’t be prepared to perform. He was then life-flighted from Enloe to the UC Davis Medical Center in Sacramento. My mom sat by his side for what probably felt like the longest 33 minute flight of their lives.

UC Davis determined that he had suffered an aortic dissection, where unexpectedly, and without warning, a portion of his aorta had torn away from his heart. This tearing and weakness of his arteries, were both symptoms of his genetic heart issue. Symptoms that you cannot prepare for, or prevent the way you can so many other types of heart disease. It caused damage throughout his arteries, as far down as his legs.

It took three surgeons working together to repair the extensive damage, including replacing the aorta and a heart valve, as well as several sections of arteries. They worked simultaneously to save his leg which would have likely been lost had they waited to take care of the heart first before focusing on the leg.

Skipping my Masters Program graduation, my wife and I were able to drive to Sacramento to be in the waiting room with my mom. We were able to keep my brother and sister in the loop since they live in London with their spouses. I can’t imagine how it must have felt to be so far away while this was going on.

Initial estimates told us that the surgery could take eight hours total. It wasn’t until eight hours in that someone finally came to see us and give an update. It was not what we had expected. “We are fighting for his life” the doctor said, followed closely with “you should pray for your dad”. I would never have expected a surgeon at a major university hospital to go outside of what he is likely legally able to say, and tell a family to pray.

The surgery went on for six more hours.

Thanks to their steady hands, wisdom, and the grace of God, he survived the 14 hours of open heart surgery. The next day my dad told me that before he went under, he could hear the doctors count down as they were stopping his heart, and then the faint “ping” of the heart and lung machines that would keep him alive for those next 14 hours. Thankfully for him, he said it felt like mere seconds that he was out, before they brought him out of the anesthesia. After about a week-and-a-half in the hospital, most of which was spent in the ICU, he was able to return home on May 27th. Nothing short of a miracle in my book.

Now the real healing can begin and he has a long road ahead. The doctors have directed that he focus on rest and recovery, as cardiac rehab can be a long and arduous task. He will have in-home physical therapy, is not able to drive for at least one month, and has limits to how much he can lift, exert himself, and even eat and drink. He has been told to expect at least eight weeks until he begins to feel anywhere close to normal.

During this time, he will of course be unable to work, which as a self-employed contractor, this means that my parents’ income will be drastically cut. It also turns out that helicopter rides, 14 hours of surgery, and 10 day “all-inclusive stay” at a hospital does not come cheap.

My dad’s life work is not about building things, or making money, but it’s about building relationships, helping people , and making memories. I have inherited many traits from my dad, including the fact that he has a constant desire to help others, but difficulty asking others for help. We need your help in order to get him back to a place where he can continue his life’s work.

Whether financially, or through meals, thoughts, or prayers, any support that anyone can provide is greatly appreciated, as every little bit helps. If you have been lucky enough to know my dad, then you know how special he is to his family and friends. Many friends have reached out, called, sent cards, and visited. This outpouring of support has been key in my dad’s recovery. Maybe you could do the same. We are truly blessed to have all of you, but more than anything, we are all blessed to have him with us each and every new (and extra) day.

Organizer and beneficiary

Ryan Keller
Organizer
Chico, CA
Leslie Keller
Beneficiary
Raised $1,705 from 10 donations

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