Pat's Medical Fund

As many of you know, Pat came down with a debilitating condition just before Christmas last year. The first days in the hospital were scary as the medical team rushed to perform tests while we watched him quickly lose the ability to use his arms and legs. Doctors put Pat on a course of treatment they could only hope would work until they were eventually able to identify his condition: transverse myelitis.

Transverse myelitis is rare, with only about 1,400 new cases diagnosed in the United States each year. It’s an inflammation of the spinal cord that leaves patients with severe limb weakness and painful muscle spasms. Pat’s inflammation occurred in his cervical vertebrae, which is what caused him to lose motor function in both his arms and legs.

While there is no cure, most patients have at least partial recovery. The most significant recovery occurs in the first three months, but some improvement can still be made for up to the first two years. Pat spent around six weeks in the hospital undergoing aggressive treatment and rehabilitation. He’s home now and continues to make progress with the help of visits from physical and occupational therapists.

We are hopeful that Pat will continue to make progress, but he currently relies on a wheelchair to get around. With Pat being unable to work for the foreseeable future and Dee having to take partial leave from her job to help care for him, they have a significantly reduced income and mounting medical bills.

We appreciate you taking the time to read Pat’s story and hope you’ll consider donating. All money raised will go toward paying his hospital and other related bills. If you are unable to contribute at this time, you can also help by sharing this page and reaching out to Pat to encourage him to keep going. He has a long journey ahead of him, and every bit of support helps!