Assist Debbie Harrington in Her Time of Loss

Hi, my name is Aurora Jordan, and I truly appreciate you taking the time to read my story. My family and I have been devastated by the sudden death of my father in law, Greg Harrington. A month ago, on August 3rd we took Greg to the hospital for concerns of a possible stroke, after a few tests and a CT scan, we were informed he had a mass in his lungs and leukemia.

Greg was immediately admitted into the ICU where he remained for 10 days. During this time we were trying to elevate Greg's sodium levels in order for him to be strong enough to perform a biopsy on the mass in his lung. This would allow us insight on whether or not he had two major forms of cancer or the leukemia had just spread. After the 10 days in ICU, Greg was moved to the step down unit where he remained for another 5 days. During this time, doctors informed us that it would be extremely rare to have two major forms of cancer and decided against the biopsy. Greg was now being discharged to an inpatient rehab facility for two weeks for him to regain his strength to undergo chemo treatment.

While in rehab, Greg had an increased need for oxygen and a major decrease in energy and appetite. He was slated for release after 2 weeks. Halfway through his stay, we were told Greg contracted pneumonia and his right lung had fluid in it. Standard recovery for pneumonia is 10 days. The rehab facility told us on day 8 of pneumonia Greg would be released to go home. Greg was no where near ready to be discharged to go home.

Greg's wife, Debbie, had to file an appeal that day for discharge to keep Greg in treatment until he was ready to go home. The next morning, when Debbie arrived to visit Greg, there was no Greg. The rehab facility had taken and admitted Greg to the ER WITHOUT notifying anyone from the family.

This is where things took a turn for the worse. After some tests, we discover that Greg's sodium levels were now too high that he was dehydrated and the fluid in his lung was not pneumonia but a side effect from the cancerous mass in his lung. Greg was moved back into the progressive care unit. The doctors placed Greg on an oxygenator as his need for oxygen was increasing daily. After some deliberation, the doctors discussed a need to place Greg on a ventilator as he still was not breathing strong enough on his own to get enough oxygen in his system. After this, doctors immediately suggested to perform a biopsy on the mass in his lung to determine if it is second primary cancer. This procedure was done same day, come to find out, Greg also had a very aggressive small cell lung cancer and the prognosis was not great. We were advised that starting a round of chemo would be Greg’s best chance at prolonging his life. We started the chemo that day, there would be three treatments, one every 24 hours. After the first day of chemo, Greg goes back for another CT scan of his abdomen and his head, we discover the cancer has spread to his liver and his kidneys are failing. After the completion of the chemo and 31 days in the hospital/in patient rehab, Greg passed peacefully surrounded by his family.

Debbie was unable to work during this time as Greg's situation was so unknown from day to day. She wanted to be by her husband of 51 years side.

Any money donated to this fund will go towards the bills Debbie will be left to cover in Greg's passing. Any amount you're willing to contribute is so greatly appreciated. If you are unable to donate at this time, a share with your friends and family would mean a great deal to Debbie.

Update: Greg was in the Navy for 26 years, after his passing and contacting the VA about his benefits; Debbie was informed they would only fully cover a service in the National Cemetery. Greg's wishes were to be close to home and family, thus the VA will only cover a very small portion of the services and burial.