Support Dave Ahart's Stroke Recovery Journey

Dave Ahart is the type of person who encourages others to pursue their dreams, regardless of how grand or unconventional they may be. He looks for little ways to support those dreams every chance he gets. Whether it's a spontaneous Venmo payment, a supportive meme, or that hard-to-find piece of equipment you've been eyeing on eBay, he finds joy in helping others achieve their heart's desires.

On Wednesday, December 18th, Dave suffered a massive stroke as he was stepping out of his work truck at the end of his shift. He had dedicated over 20 years to operating cranes for Maxim Crane and was eagerly anticipating his retirement, a time when he would finally pursue his dreams of traveling and enjoying calm, peaceful mornings with his wife, Julie.

Working for Maxim Crane often required him to work out of town, and he was in San Jose when he experienced the stroke. Fortunately, his coworkers witnessed everything, and he was rushed to the nearest hospital. His wife, Julie, was informed and immediately grabbed the barest necessities before driving overnight to be by his side at the hospital.

I have created this GoFundMe campaign to help alleviate the financial burden of treatment for Dave, as well as the cost of out-of-town lodging for Julie. The estimated cost of treatment for a stroke victim can vary significantly in the U.S., but it averages around $60,000. At this point, it is too early to determine how long Dave will be in the hospital or what his recovery will entail. However, I hope that his legacy of generous giving can be met with support in return.

For a man who never asks for anything but always gives, I am reaching out to ask for any small donation that can help him and his wife during this challenging time. Every contribution will go toward treatment, recovery, and support, ensuring that together, we can help Dave realize his dreams and enjoy the well-deserved retirement he has worked so hard for. Thank you for your generosity. 

           

From the bottom of my heart, thank you for taking the time to read this, share his story, and for any donations or kind sentiments. I will keep everyone updated on his condition and prognosis as we navigate the uncertainty of his recovery. Prayers, positive intentions, and good wishes are always welcome and appreciated. We understand that not everyone can donate, but sharing this cause can be just as helpful. ❤️

***Medical Timeline***

The doctor explained that Dave tore his carotid artery, which released a blood clot to his brain, resulting in a massive stroke. After being admitted to the hospital, he underwent emergency surgery to place four shunts in his brain and to repair the artery in his neck. He remained sedated and on a ventilator until Saturday.

As of today, Sunday the 22nd, Dave has undergone another MRI and a CT scan, and he has been woken up. The results indicate significant swelling in his brain, and his medication is being adjusted to address this issue. He is able to track movement with his eyes, but his right eye appears to have impaired vision. The medical team is hopeful that he can be taken off the ventilator today and that his condition can be downgraded from critical to stable, provided the swelling in his brain does not increase.