My beloved prince got his wings today 08/03/24
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Dear Family, Friends, and Supporters,
Thank you for visiting this page. Please check the updates, as so much has happened since I started this fundraiser. Your support means the world to us!
My name is Deb and I created this fundraiser for my husband Greg. I am reaching out to you with an overwhelmingly heavy heart and hopeful spirit, seeking your support for my beloved husband, Greg Kelley, who will be undergoing ileostomy reversal surgery on June 27, 2024. Greg has been living with an ileostomy bag, which means all waste goes into a bag that needs to be emptied and changed regularly. This has been incredibly challenging and life-disrupting for him.
Greg's journey over the past year has been incredibly challenging. In November 2023, our lives were turned upside down when Greg contracted COVID-19, pneumonia, and bacterial sepsis all at once. As if that wasn't enough, he was also diagnosed at that time with congestive heart failure, a collapsed lung, kidney damage, a blockage in his intestines which required lifesaving surgery, a mass in his abdomen and type 2 diabetes.
Below is a picture of Greg before he was rushed off to emergency surgery. He was so ill that he was sent to ICU immediately after surgery.
He later developed a painful bed sore on his back, a bleeding wound at the surgical site that ripped open after the staples were removed and required additional attention (wound vac) and a longer healing time.
His first surgery and subsequent treatment were intense and grueling, keeping him hospitalized for 30 days. Greg spent a significant amount of time in the ICU, fighting for his life while he laid in a coma induced state and, on a respirator, lifesaving medical care, followed by a transfer to another hospital where he had an extensive rehab period to regain his strength and mobility and later there was home health care.
He was unable to walk and suffered severe debility, but he was never ready to give up. In the picture above, he wanted to go home that day but unfortunately, he still had a long road ahead.
Below is a picture of Greg trying to stand but couldn't do so without assistance.
Below is a picture of Greg on the day that he was discharged from rehab. He still needed assistance to stand and was very weak.
Despite having some insurance, the coverage has fallen short, leaving us with mounting medical bills and ongoing expenses that we struggle to manage. The costs of medications, medical supplies, and essential care have taken a huge toll on our family's finances.
He's on so many different kinds of medications that we have to number them just to keep track of things.
With his upcoming surgery, we know that additional expenses for food (special diet), transportation to and from doctor visits, and post-operative care will be necessary and anything else that may arise for Greg's recovery.
We are humbly asking for your help to alleviate some of these financial burdens. Your generous donations will go directly towards:
• Covering outstanding medical bills from Greg's previous and future hospitalizations and treatments
• Ensuring he has the necessary medical supplies and medications for his post-operative care
• Providing funds for food (special diet) and gas for the numerous trips to doctors and specialists
• Supporting our family's basic needs during this difficult time
Greg has shown immense strength and resilience throughout this ordeal, and we are determined to support him every step of the way.
For those who haven't met Greg, he's the type of person who would give you the shirt off his back and the shoes off his feet if he knew you needed them. Greg is a constant helper to those in need, a friend to the friendless, and a father figure to the fatherless.
Your support, whether through a donation, your prayers and/ or by sharing our GoFundMe page, will make a tremendous difference in Greg's recovery journey. Please keep us in your prayers and include him (us) on your prayer list.
We understand that times are tough for many, and any amount you can contribute will be deeply appreciated. We thank you from the bottom of our hearts for your kindness, generosity, and support during this critical time.
With heartfelt gratitude,
Deb Meyers- Kelley and Family