When we first created this GoFundMe, we were filled with hope that Bernie’s surgeries would give him a chance at a healthier future. Instead, the months since February have become a relentless medical crisis that has devastated every aspect of his life.
In February, Bernie underwent four major laminectomies to treat severe spinal stenosis. What followed has been a cascade of life-altering complications and a dramatic decline in both his physical and cognitive health.
Since that time, Bernie has endured three additional hospitalizations, suffered painful hematomas, been diagnosed with cancer of the skin, and experienced a mini-stroke, and continues to battle against migraines, severe pain, dangerous fluctuations in his vital signs, pre-diabetes, overwhelming weakness, and crushing fatigue. His body has been pushed beyond what anyone should have to endure.
Bernie can no longer safely walk without significant difficulty. Activities that were once routine have become exhausting and in many cases impossible. His strength continues to disappear and his health continues to deteriorate despite ongoing medical care. What is even more heartbreaking is the profound change in his mental and cognitive condition. The man we knew before February is not the same man today. His memory, concentration, thinking, and overall cognitive function have been significantly affected. Watching this decline has been devastating. The deterioration of both his mind and body has been far more severe than anyone anticipated, and each passing week brings new challenges and new concerns.
For months we have searched desperately for answers while watching Bernie suffer. Despite countless appointments, hospital stays, tests, procedures, and consultations, we are still searching for a path forward. We fear the valuable time is slipping away. We have reached a critical point.
Our goal now is to get Bernie to a major medical center in New York or California where he can receive comprehensive evaluations from some of the nation's leading specialists. We need additional opinions, advanced diagnostic testing, and medical access from medical experts who may be able to identify what has gone wrong and offer treatment options that have not yet been explored. This is not simply about seeking another opinion. This is about pursuing what may be Bernie's last opportunity to reclaim some quality of life, preserve his remaining health, and find hope where hope has become increasingly difficult to hold on to. The urgency of this situation cannot be overstated. Bernie cannot continue living in this state of suffering. His condition has become increasingly complex, and time is of the essence. Every delay could mean further deterioration, further loss of function, and fewer opportunities for meaningful intervention.
We are asking for your help to make this journey possible. The funds raised will be used for travel, lodging, medical consultations, specialized testing, treatments, and the many expenses associated with obtaining medical care from top centers outside of our area. Today we are fighting not just for answers, but for Bernie's future. Every contribution brings us one step closer to getting him the expert care he desperately needs. Thank you for standing with Bernie during the most difficult battle of his life and helping us pursue the hope that still remains.