Aid Daniel Heater's Journey to Recovery

Update from Kathy 10/12

Hi guys here's an update ... Dan musters soo much for his friends when they visit. We are just waiting for the system to accept and transport him.

I've (and family) decided that for his overall well-being at this time it will be best for him to do the first step of rehabilitation in FL.

One big plus to being in Florida is he will keep the same dr if he's accepted into the facility we are looking at. It's a Long Term Acute Care facility that people have had good experiences with.

Keeping it real - He's been increasingly lethargic. The important thing is He CAN still hear us and is responding in his way. Also, we are trying to transition a guy who has worked at night for the last 30 years to a day schedule!

SO.. I'm asking to put the word out for visitors. Just to stop by don't feel like you have to stay long. Might be helpful to think of something to talk about before you get there. News, updates, joke, something you normally would talk about. We know he is hearing and seems to understand pretty fully what is being said. He struggles to respond conversationally but does try. So we talk to him normally and wait for him when he responds.

He is, of course, shocked and confused to find himself where he is now. He always rallies for his friends and family (consistent with his character)

I just feel and witnessed how much he was uplifted by his friends.

Thank you!!

Daniel "Garfield" Heater suffered a brain aneurysm sometime between Friday 9/20/24 and Friday 9/27 when he was found lethargic and feverish on the floor of his housing. He was found, and this will come as no surprise to those who know him, because of the strength of his friendship with others. Danny didn't come to work for his scheduled shifts (Dan never misses work!) that week and his coworkers became very concerned. His family is so grateful to his friends and colleagues; they literally saved his life.

Dan is currently in the hospital. As with any brain injury, his outcome is unknown and his recovery will be long-term. He will be discharged to a skilled nursing facility until he is strong enough to participate in rehabilitation. As a family, we are working to move him closer to us in order to oversee his care and recovery. We were advised by his friends to set up this GoFundMe to help in that process. His sister is with him by his side (even facing down Milton). We know we will need to medical fly him and anticipate bearing the bulk of this cost. If you are able to contribute, those funds will be used to help with all associated costs of coordinating his care.

We will continue to post updates and progress as we go through this process together. Lastly, as a long-term Chicagoan, it pains me to say Go Dolphins.