Please Help Kevin Walk Again

Dear Friends,I am sharing this story on behalf of my longtime love of 17 years, Kevin Mason. Kevin is a 58 year old loving father, son, brother, grandfather, uncle, nephew, friend and life partner. In 2016, Kevin had a peripheral artery bypass operation on his right leg for PAD. Towards the end of 2017, this leg and foot had become very painful. By the end of December, the pain was unbearable, and we went to the ER. Tests were performed and the vascular surgeon let us know it was likely he would lose his leg below knee as the bypass performed in 2016 had failed. However, he stated he had "a few tricks up his sleeve," which was great news, because of course Kevin wanted to save his leg. He underwent surgery, which entailed re-routing the blood supply using a plastic tube graft. Between January and aMarch of 2018, he continued to have issues: infections, circulation and blood clots. During this time, he underwent several more surgeries in an effort to save his leg. Due to all the complications, he was unable to work. In March, two vascular surgeons delivered the devastating news that they had done all they could and his only option was amputation below the knee. After the operation, despite unbearable pain, he maintained a good attitude and mental strength. His recuperation was going well at home...until April when he had a fall with his walker which completely opened the wound. This required another serious operation on his residual limb.During his rehab at home this time, his left hip became terribly painful, further complicating his progress as this is his "good," weight-bearing leg. After x-rays and an appointment with an orthopedic surgeon, he needs a complete L hip replacement due to Avascular Necrosis. However, the surgeon will not perform the surgery until Kevin is in his prosthetic leg. He was "casted" 2 weeks ago for his first leg...it was so exciting! The bad news was, although a portion of his new leg is covered by insurance, the "out of pocket expense" is $2,563. His goal is to get himself up on TWO legs.Anyone that knows Kevin is aware that he's a pretty tough guy, and with the support of his employer and coworkers, he returned part time to work in June. He is working on a computer from his wheelchair but is anxious to stand on his own. He misses his true craft...custom engraving, which he has done for 35 years at the same company.Simply put, Kevin has gone through hell this year with plenty of discouraging moments but has done his best throughout it all. (including teaching himself to drive with his left foot one month after the initial amputation!)I am appealing on Kevin's behalf in the hope that he will be able to walk on his first prosthetic leg soon. Our financial situation has been severely strained due to his many hospitalizations and inability to work full time since January. Presently, we are having difficulty making ends meet. Any donation towards Kevin's ability to be independent again will be most sincerely appreciated! Thank you,Eileen Sent from my iPhoneSent from my iPhone