My name is Brian Downey, and my brother Bill needs your help. I would like to tell you a bit about him and share what has happened to him recently. He is facing some serious and difficult challenges and needs all our support to live the best life he can under these life-changing circumstances.

On the morning of September 17th, 2023, Bill suffered a severe stroke. He was unable to speak or move and unfortunately was not found until that evening. Due to the length of time without treatment, and a lack of blood flow, he suffered severe damage to the left side of his brain. This resulted in the paralysis of his right arm and leg. It also affected his speech and caused expressive aphasia. This means that while he knows what he is thinking and what he wants to say, he is unable to communicate it, either verbally or in writing.

Bill will no longer be able to work and still has a long road of physical and speech therapy ahead. His insurance coverage from his job ended in mid-December. All therapy has been on hold since then. Because of the severity of his condition, he will be facing a lifetime of financial challenges including home modifications, rent, utilities, groceries, transportation, medical bills, etc. Bill is currently in a skilled nursing facility, but we hope to get him back to living in the community with proper support soon.

Bill has always been an extremely hard-working individual. At the same time, he has also struggled for years with alcoholism. He has been living in Florida and has been sober for 4 ½ years and was just getting himself back on track before having the stroke. He is an active member of his local church which has been instrumental in his recovery.

I am setting up this GoFundMe page for Bill because I love him. But my love alone will not be enough. He is going to need the kind of assistance that can only come from the love and generosity of his family, friends and community.

If you can contribute, it would be an enormous help. Thank you in advance for your kindness and generosity.