Bill and Jody desperately need us all now’

Hi, my name is Lisa Almeida. I have never even come close to doing this before, but every fiber of my being is nudging me to help our dearest friends.

Most of you know what Bill Cochran has been through the last 10 days. (Has it only been 10 days, Lord??) He woke up last Wednesday, April 13, feeling really short of breath. Jody called 911 immediately & Bill was taken to St. Agnes to be evaluated. Bill was having a massive heart attack at that point, ‘the widow maker” artery being the main culprit, named for the fact that most men with a blockage in that artery do NOT survive, hence leaving their wife a widow.

This was just the beginning of a day that few people would survive! After further evaluation, it was determined that Bill had 2 blockages as well as 2 blood clots in his heart. “Extremely grave” condition was the term doctors were using. Getting through the first night was a miracle in itself! Bill was put into an induced coma, and on a ventilator, to allow his body to rest and heal. The next procedure, extremely risky, was to thread a catheter up through his leg to put a balloon pump “intra aortic” to keep his heart pumping (it was only pumping at 10%). Bill’s incredible will to live surprised doctors, as he hung in there against the odds. The next procedure that was also very risky, 3 stents were threaded gingerly up through his leg, and put in his heart to open up the blockages. Additionally doctors were able to remove one of the blood clots and found that the other one had dissolved with medication! Still beating the odds, Bill’s determination is keeping him alive, astounding his medical team!

Bill then tested positive for the flu, which lead to pneumonia (something that he’s still fighting). At this point, doctors are attempting to reduce the medications that have induced his coma. So far, Bill is exhibiting severe agitation when the sedation is lowered, so each day they try again. More good news, the pump assisting his heart has been removed and his heart is beating on its own. This is one determined man, who has beaten SO many odds already! The BEST news is that after his sedation was lifted this last time, Bill was able to nod and communicate the day, the date and the year to his doctors, as well as knowing that this past Sunday was Easter!! Praise the Lord, God is good! Thousands of people have been praying tirelessly for Bill.

Without a doubt, anyone that knows Bill Cochran knows what a “giver” he is. Bill served as the pastor at the First Baptist Church of Lansdowne for over 30 years. Before that, Bill was the head of the police department at Sheppard Pratt hospital. Bill is a friend to so many because he has given so much of himself throughout his entire life.

I think it’s time for us to finally give to Bill, after he has tirelessly given to so many for so many years. His devoted wife, Jody, has used up her sick time and vacation time staying by his side at the hospital and will be taking an unpaid leave to get her devoted husband and “best friend” through this. Doctors have said that Bill will never work again. Imagine what it would be like to have both members of the household unable to work, although Jody will be able to return when Bill is “out of the woods”. Medical bills are obviously piling up, hopefully Jody’s insurance will cover most, but rarely ALL of them.

If you could spare a little or a lot, all will be appreciated by Bill and Jody. Bill has an incredibly long road ahead of him, but hopefully we can ease the financial worry that is so draining! Thank you all in advance, for helping out an amazing Christian brother who has has given so much of himself over his lifetime.