Art's Medical Expense Contributions

My brother, from another mother, literally! I believe Art has been a part of my life since I was about 13. He skated into my family's hearts and has been stuck with me and my family ever since. LOL!! Anyone that knew me during my pre-driving years knows, Art would shuttle us to and from the skating rink most every weekend. Back then, Art started out as a Military Police (June 6, 1978) at MCAS Cherry Point. He was in the Marine Corp for 10 years. He went on to be a Police officer with New Bern PD until he retired in 2006. He began working with the Department of Defense at MCAS Cherry Point as a Training Specialist where he has continued to Serve his country expanding his career in law enforcement for more than 40 years.

 

His most recent life adventure began around December 21st . . .

 

Many of you may have seen, his wife, Brenda's post on Facebook -

 

Art had been experiencing some back pain which we assumed was associated with his career. On Tuesday (21), he lost control of his legs which caused him to fall. He went to the ER by ambulance on Thursday (23) because he lost all feeling and mobility from the waist down. They did CT Scan and MRI. They found a mass compressing his spinal cord near the C4-C5-C6. They transferred us by Duke’s Life Flight ground transportation. When we got to Duke (24) his platelets we extremely low (20k) and they had to do transfusions all night because he had the chance to bleed out if they did surgery. On Christmas morning (25), they did emergency surgery to relieve some of the pressure. The Doctor stated he is partial paralyzed and time will tell how much feeling he will regain and the ability to walk again. As of right now, Art's body is still going through the healing process. There is very minimal feeling from the waist down.

 

Art and, his wife, Brenda are presently living at Duke University Hospital, with no knowledge of timing on the present inpatient hospital stay, the upcoming inpatient rehab, as well as, the ongoing rehab and care which will be necessary. As we all know, unfortunately, insurance only covers so much and typically has a time limit.

 

First and foremost, please include Art, Brenda and the family in your prayers. If you feel led, please also contribute towards the mounds of medical bills that will soon be heading their way. All donations received will go directly toward Art's medical expenses.

 

All of your prayers, love and support are appreciated more than words could ever express!!