Hi Everyone,
Thank you for coming here to check in on our Dad. The weekend before Dad went to the hospital we organized a 40th anniversary date for him and Mom. We sent them on an adventure through downtown Fort Wayne where they enjoyed a progressive dinner followed by a live show with a Beatles cover band as we chauffeured them between venues. They said it was the most fun they have had in a long time, and we had fun planning it for them. Wednesday May 18th our ability to create more memories like this came to a halt. Dad was admitted to the hospital with what we all thought were minor stroke symptoms. We wish it were that simple. Thankfully the doctors at Lutheran Hospital were able to quickly diagnose a very rare disorder called Transverse Myelitis. They believe it was triggered by a Covid-19 infection. We learned a lot about Transverse Myelitis at this link.
Transverse Myelitis is a condition where the spinal cord suffers a period of inflammation or swelling. Consequently, because the spinal cord has no place to swell being encased in the vertebrae, “kinks” and/or lesions will shut off communication in the central nervous system. In Dad’s case, he went into the hospital with an inability to move his left arm. Before the Doctors were able to diagnose the Transverse Myelitis, the condition had worsened and he lost the ability to move from the neck down. Dad needed to be intubated because the motor function of his breathing was compromised by the Myelitis and exacerbated by the Covid-19. A week later Dad’s left lung collapsed as a result of the Covid-19 infection. Each day between the admission to the hospital and having written this message, we have received news about his condition that has caused a significant amount of tears and sadness.
Despite all this, we hold out hope for a miracle. We understand the reality of the situation, and the likelihood of outcomes. Right now there’s a lot of uncertainty. Because of this uncertainty we’re left not knowing what emotion to feel but we remind each other that hopefulness is the emotion that will do the most good. Dad may walk out of the hospital, he may leave in a wheelchair, he may only leave in spirit. What we do know is that despite the outcome, this is a significant blow to Mom and Dad’s condition as a couple. Despite the outcome for Dad, life will never be the same.
Dad has 5 grandchildren with a 6th due soon. One of his favorite things to do with each grandchild is to hold them up near one of the wind chimes on his screened in porch so they can swat at it and listen to the sounds. He loves it, they love it, everyone laughs. We want this again for him, and for them. With the help of close family and friends we’ve been able to manage many of the projects Dad would be doing like landscaping, mowing, home maintenance, and finishing up a bathroom remodel.
We anticipate, despite the multitude of possible outcomes that there will be a significant financial need that we're hoping you can help to cure. We want Mom and Dad to focus only on his recovery. Alleviating the stress and anxiety brought on by medical expenses will contribute to the swift recovery that we pray for daily. Dad lives a busy lifestyle staying active with projects in and around the house, and taking mom on camping trips. He enjoys being silly, and playing with his grandchildren. Those of you who know him well, know that he is fueled by those around him. He feeds off the positivity, hopefulness and happiness of others. We want to be able to show him how many people care about him, he will need that in order to recover. Mom needs it. We need it.
Thank you for taking the time to read about his story.
Thank you for coming here to check in on our Dad. The weekend before Dad went to the hospital we organized a 40th anniversary date for him and Mom. We sent them on an adventure through downtown Fort Wayne where they enjoyed a progressive dinner followed by a live show with a Beatles cover band as we chauffeured them between venues. They said it was the most fun they have had in a long time, and we had fun planning it for them. Wednesday May 18th our ability to create more memories like this came to a halt. Dad was admitted to the hospital with what we all thought were minor stroke symptoms. We wish it were that simple. Thankfully the doctors at Lutheran Hospital were able to quickly diagnose a very rare disorder called Transverse Myelitis. They believe it was triggered by a Covid-19 infection. We learned a lot about Transverse Myelitis at this link.
Transverse Myelitis is a condition where the spinal cord suffers a period of inflammation or swelling. Consequently, because the spinal cord has no place to swell being encased in the vertebrae, “kinks” and/or lesions will shut off communication in the central nervous system. In Dad’s case, he went into the hospital with an inability to move his left arm. Before the Doctors were able to diagnose the Transverse Myelitis, the condition had worsened and he lost the ability to move from the neck down. Dad needed to be intubated because the motor function of his breathing was compromised by the Myelitis and exacerbated by the Covid-19. A week later Dad’s left lung collapsed as a result of the Covid-19 infection. Each day between the admission to the hospital and having written this message, we have received news about his condition that has caused a significant amount of tears and sadness.
Despite all this, we hold out hope for a miracle. We understand the reality of the situation, and the likelihood of outcomes. Right now there’s a lot of uncertainty. Because of this uncertainty we’re left not knowing what emotion to feel but we remind each other that hopefulness is the emotion that will do the most good. Dad may walk out of the hospital, he may leave in a wheelchair, he may only leave in spirit. What we do know is that despite the outcome, this is a significant blow to Mom and Dad’s condition as a couple. Despite the outcome for Dad, life will never be the same.
Dad has 5 grandchildren with a 6th due soon. One of his favorite things to do with each grandchild is to hold them up near one of the wind chimes on his screened in porch so they can swat at it and listen to the sounds. He loves it, they love it, everyone laughs. We want this again for him, and for them. With the help of close family and friends we’ve been able to manage many of the projects Dad would be doing like landscaping, mowing, home maintenance, and finishing up a bathroom remodel.
We anticipate, despite the multitude of possible outcomes that there will be a significant financial need that we're hoping you can help to cure. We want Mom and Dad to focus only on his recovery. Alleviating the stress and anxiety brought on by medical expenses will contribute to the swift recovery that we pray for daily. Dad lives a busy lifestyle staying active with projects in and around the house, and taking mom on camping trips. He enjoys being silly, and playing with his grandchildren. Those of you who know him well, know that he is fueled by those around him. He feeds off the positivity, hopefulness and happiness of others. We want to be able to show him how many people care about him, he will need that in order to recover. Mom needs it. We need it.
Thank you for taking the time to read about his story.
Organizer and beneficiary
Louise Hart
Beneficiary