Eric's Legionnaires' Recovery

On Monday, July 2, Eric was air lifted by the med flight helicopter from Garden City Hospital to U of M in Ann Arbor. Rapid progression of pneumonia had reduced his lung function to 30% and he had become septic, meaning an infection was taking over his body. All of his vitals were in a dangerous zone, and they were getting worse. His respiration rate was so high that the doctors at U of M had to put him on a ventilator, which he remained on for four days until it could be safely removed. He is awake now after several days of being sedated to allow his body to rest, but remains in the hospital. At this time, we are unsure when he will be able to go home.

Tests have determined the cause of Eric's illness is Legionnaires' disease, which led to pneumonia. The disease is treatable, but can have a long recovery. We are thankful Eric is young and healthy and was strong enough to fight, as the complications from this disease can be fatal. 

Even though Eric has not been able to speak very much, I'm sure he's worried about providing for his brand new family. He was actually trying to go to work the day he ended up in the emergency room, but his sister made him stay home so she could keep an eye on him. Because of this unexpected illness, Eric will not be able to work for some time. Eric's girlfriend, Sara, has been juggling being by his side and caring for their new baby, Ada. She has not been able to work either.

While both of their employers have been understanding, they currently have no income but still have the responsibility of paying for their family's every day needs. Additionally, they have been working hard to manage previous medical bills, including those for the birth of their precious baby and Sara's recent hip surgery. On top of these expenses, they will now have bills from the Garden City emergency room, the med flight, the U of M emergency and ICU care, and additional recovery.  

Any amount of money we could raise would help alleviate some of the stress that this beautiful new family has been under. We all want them to worry a little less and to be able to enjoy their new family a little more. Any help you could offer, even if just a simple share, is greatly appreciated.