On Monday, August 31, 2020, my Dad and Retired Police Chief of Lewes, Ronald (Beau) Gooch, went in for a challenging two-day surgery. We all had the expectation of him returning home in two weeks feeling better. His surgery consisted of placing two rods into his neck (C3 and C4) to assist with a herniated disc which was making walking painful and creating dangerous falls. Unfortunately, when they opened up his spine, the surgeon saw one of the worst looking spines in his career. They had to immediately conduct the second-day surgery on the first day to relieve pressure on the spinal cord. 

When he woke up, he was alone, on a ventilator, and he had no movement in his arms and legs. He has been in the ICU and currently experiencing ongoing PT/OT. We are hopeful that he will be transferred to an intensive spinal rehab center out of state within the week to regain some of his movements. The doctors initially said this could be permanent or temporary. But, over the last week, he has made some small steps in regaining back some of the movements in his arms, hands, and toes. We are optimistic he will continue to fight to regain more of his movements! 

This is a scary experience in general, and especially during COVID-19, without the presence of his loved ones by his side, encouraging him to continue to push through this tough time. By far, this is one of the most challenging things he has  experienced emotionally, physically, and mentally. If you know my Dad, the "biggest and baddest" in the room, ALWAYS, this is not easy for him to admit or endure.

Beau and Dawn (my Mom and Dad) have a strong support system of family and friends willing to help them in any way possible. There are still many questions and uncertainties about what lies ahead for regaining his movement and his health. Even with insurance, I want the unexpected financial burden of this to be one less worry for my parents. I am hoping to help with the expenses of his medical bills, for my moms travel expenses to visit and stay with him out of state during his rehabilitation, to help with rehabilitation after the acute stay at the intensive spinal center, and any potential home renovations that will need to be made as accommodations for what may lie ahead. All of the donations will go directly to my parents and getting my dad better and home!

 If you would like to donate but don't feel comfortable donating over this platform, you can stop by Lloyd's Market in Lewes and leave donations with Amy.  My Dad's journey is anticipated to take several months and to be extremely demanding. We appreciate everyone's love and support during this time, and we are so thankful for such a caring community. We will continue to update you with my Dad's recovery. Please keep praying (and/or take a Tuaca shot) for his recovery and my family. Oaklyn wants her Pop-Pop home and holding her again soon! 


- Thank you  in advance from our entire family.