Brad's Journey

On June 30, 2018 Brad had a major heart attack and went into cardiac arrest at in our home. Thanks to the heroic efforts of our boys, myself and our first responders, Brad was whisked away to the hospital. He was given a 1% chance of survival for the first three days. On the fourth day, his cardiologist declared him a miracle and gave him a 99% chance of survival on his 40% strong heart. Over the next 4 days, we waited for Brad to show signs that his brain was ok. His heart was stopped for an estimated 30 minutes. On the evening of that forth day, the neurologist, ICU doctor and the rest of our care team told us, after the MRI results and physical confirmation, that Brad would never speak, walk, have pain, show emotion, etc. Basically no higher functions that distinguish humans from other animals. Shock. Horror. Disbelief. Sorrow. On day 9, as we were discussing what the future held, Dave, Brad's Dad, swore he heard him mutter something. We kinda brushed it off as reflex. Then my Dad, Wayne, swore he heard Brad say WTF (in the full words). I pushed them aside, cuddled up to him, as I had everyday and night for the past 9 days and said "I love you". Brad immediately and clearly responded "I love you.". Shock. Disbelief. Confusion. Elation. I shooed the parents out and brought the doc in. I said, "Brad, Dr. Fresco is here." Nothing. I said, "Brad, say hi to Dr. Fresco." He opened his eyes, looked right at her and said "hi". She asked him a couple more questions to which he promptly and appropriately answered. She asked me to talk outside. She said she hates to be wrong and rarely is but she is so happy to be wrong right now. She said "my jaw is on the floor". Mine was too. We hugged and celebrated and I went back in to TALK WITH BRAD. Mircale number two had just happened. Over the next several days and up to now (day 18) Brad has walked hundreds of feet, eats food on his own, has every emotion, speaks in full, albeit sometimes jumbled sentances (including humor and sarcasm) and is thriving. It's a long road to be sure. We are expecting to be released to a rehabilitation center in the next week or so. He'll be there for a couple weeks and then hopefully home. After he gets home, the medical benefits stop and, as you can imagine, the bills and costs add up very quickly. We are asking for your support. It seems cliche to say any amount helps but as we've experienced in our lives and especially now, it takes a village. Your love and support is so appreciated.