A Lifeline During Jon Zacharias's Medical Crisis

On Dec. 3/23 our brother, Jonathan Zacharias, age 54, was experiencing flu symptoms like many of us during this current flu season. His symptoms quickly worsened and by the end of the week, he was admitted to Boundary Trails Health Centre (BTHC) in Winkler, Manitoba with severe breathing problems and a heart rate of 160 (the normal average is 72-76). While struggling to breathe (he was diagnosed with Influenza A and pneumonia), he became very anxious and confused. Within hours he was admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) and two days later was put into a medically induced coma and intubated (life support) before being transferred to hospital in Brandon, Manitoba, 2 1/2 hours from their home. While in Brandon ICU, he had to be given a paralytic to paralyze his body that was resisting the life support machines keeping him alive. The doctors say this will be a marathon. Currently his lungs, heart, liver and kidneys are really struggling.

As the ups and downs of treatment change daily, the financial burdens only increase. Jonathan is a self-employed long-haul trucker and was due to start a new job on Dec. 11/23. Being self-employed, he does not have Employment Insurance (EI) benefits. The loss of income is a huge burden and stress on their family, especially with major unexpected expenses that have arisen. His wife Rhonda carries the sole responsibility of caregiver and financial provider and will have to return to work shortly. There are also significant travel expenses (gas, food, hotel) so she can visit Jonathan in Brandon (a 5-hour round trip).

If he survives, the road to recovery will be a long one. If you feel so inclined, please join me in spreading the word and taking a piece of this burden off their shoulders with a financial contribution……..any amount is extremely helpful and greatly appreciated!

As a family, we also welcome your prayers, they are deeply felt already.