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Saturday, January 16, 2016
Hi and thanks for reading our plea for help.
I am Kelly and I'm writing today about my husband, Jerry Branch. Jerry is a great husband, father and grandfather. He has always been a hard worker and provided for his family of 4 children. At 51, he has had is share of medical issues. In his early thirties, he was burned in a gas station explosion where he suffered 2nd and 3rd degree burns. Since then, he's had two open heart surgeries and one minor stroke. He is a survivor and has always amazed us all by never losing his sense of humor. On September 1, 2015, he suffered a massive stroke which caused his brain to swell so he went through surgery to remove 45% of the skull to alleviate pressure. He survived the surgery but the stroke has left him paralyzed on his left side. He is unable to walk and is confined to a wheelchair, requires nutrition via a feeding tube, has no bowel or bladder control (which he requires a catheter), has only 20% eye sight to his right eye and blind to the left eye. This former Class A Truck Driver and furniture maker (in the garage, but beautiful stuff) is no longer able to do the things he loved or care for himself; he basically has the mentality of a toddler who requires 24 hour care. We have hired a caregiver to help out a few days a week so myself and my oldest daughter can work to help support the household (who we pay out of pocket because it is not covered by insurance), transportation to and from any appointments (also not covered my insurance), formula, diapers, daily medications and co-payments for appointments. These extra expenses have made it very difficult for us to survive financially. We do not qualify for any support or assistance from the state. Some of my children work and have been helping out as much as they can. Our youngest is 15, and our nine year old grandson lives with us is autistic and requires help of his own. I have exhausted all avenues to secure money to help make ends meet. We are now facing my worst fear….EVICTION. If any of you are familiar with Social Security, you know it is a long process and can take forever. We are in immediate need. We are also preparing for another brain surgery on January 25th, 2016. which will require admission prior to his surgery and a long stay after. And a co-payment of $500 prior to the surgery. We have hopes that this surgery will help him understand things better, talk better and have better control of his body to maybe walk again one day. We have our good days and bad days. We are so glad he is still here with us but miss his laughter and smile that was there everyday. Despite all he's been through, he would get up and go to work today if he could. He knows I am struggling to make sure he is safe and cared for and all the bills are paid; it upsets him to see me stressed and sad. We've always been the "Happy-go-lucky" couple and have been through tough things before and have always survived. All we wish for is one more miracle so our love and smiles stay alive.
Hi and thanks for reading our plea for help.
I am Kelly and I'm writing today about my husband, Jerry Branch. Jerry is a great husband, father and grandfather. He has always been a hard worker and provided for his family of 4 children. At 51, he has had is share of medical issues. In his early thirties, he was burned in a gas station explosion where he suffered 2nd and 3rd degree burns. Since then, he's had two open heart surgeries and one minor stroke. He is a survivor and has always amazed us all by never losing his sense of humor. On September 1, 2015, he suffered a massive stroke which caused his brain to swell so he went through surgery to remove 45% of the skull to alleviate pressure. He survived the surgery but the stroke has left him paralyzed on his left side. He is unable to walk and is confined to a wheelchair, requires nutrition via a feeding tube, has no bowel or bladder control (which he requires a catheter), has only 20% eye sight to his right eye and blind to the left eye. This former Class A Truck Driver and furniture maker (in the garage, but beautiful stuff) is no longer able to do the things he loved or care for himself; he basically has the mentality of a toddler who requires 24 hour care. We have hired a caregiver to help out a few days a week so myself and my oldest daughter can work to help support the household (who we pay out of pocket because it is not covered by insurance), transportation to and from any appointments (also not covered my insurance), formula, diapers, daily medications and co-payments for appointments. These extra expenses have made it very difficult for us to survive financially. We do not qualify for any support or assistance from the state. Some of my children work and have been helping out as much as they can. Our youngest is 15, and our nine year old grandson lives with us is autistic and requires help of his own. I have exhausted all avenues to secure money to help make ends meet. We are now facing my worst fear….EVICTION. If any of you are familiar with Social Security, you know it is a long process and can take forever. We are in immediate need. We are also preparing for another brain surgery on January 25th, 2016. which will require admission prior to his surgery and a long stay after. And a co-payment of $500 prior to the surgery. We have hopes that this surgery will help him understand things better, talk better and have better control of his body to maybe walk again one day. We have our good days and bad days. We are so glad he is still here with us but miss his laughter and smile that was there everyday. Despite all he's been through, he would get up and go to work today if he could. He knows I am struggling to make sure he is safe and cared for and all the bills are paid; it upsets him to see me stressed and sad. We've always been the "Happy-go-lucky" couple and have been through tough things before and have always survived. All we wish for is one more miracle so our love and smiles stay alive.