Bill Irvin Stroke Recovery Fund

~Please Help Bill Get Moving & Grooving Again~

 

My father, William Irvin, suffered a major stroke a week ago on Tuesday, January 4th. By the time he was found at home and the ambulance was called, it was too late to give him the TPA - tissue plasminogen activator – to stop or reverse the symptoms from developing. He was taken to Kishwaukee Hospital in DeKalb, but later that night was transferred to Central DuPage Hospital in Winfield to be better treated for his stroke. The doctors explained that he had suffered from a major left side stroke (affecting the right side of his body), and we also discovered he has heart issues. He currently has two leaky heart valves (the Aorta & Mitral) along with atrial fibrillation. His heart is only operating at 23% capacity, and it should be between 50-60%. They are confident that his atrial fibrillation is what caused his stroke. He is getting a daily injection of Lovenox - which is to help prevent any blood clots in the brain and his legs. He is also taking a daily aspirin and Plavix - which is to prevent heart attacks and strokes. They continue to monitor his brain daily to make sure no swelling occurs but cannot get him on blood thinners yet for his atrial fibrillation because his brain is still too vulnerable. My father a week later, is still in the hospital, and no one has been able to see him since he initially came in COVID positive. The next steps are to get him into a rehabilitation facility so physical therapy can really work him. The hospital is not set up for this. My father is suffering from right side weakness currently, and cognitively he is not there. The only word he can say is “NO” and he is unable to express himself (getting very frustrated), understand basic commands, walk, and move around, go to the bathroom, feed himself, and pretty much everything we do daily we take for granted. My father, Bill, has a long road ahead of rehab and physical & cognitive therapy to hopefully improve his ability to speak and function normally. We already know he is going to be out of work for at least a year, could be more. Due to the fact that he will not be able to work for an indefinite amount of time, my father and family will be needing financial help to cover living expenses, ongoing medical treatment and rehab therapy. Those that know my Dad and his bigger than life, vibrant, goofy personality, as well as his kind and giving heart, will understand how this unexpected setback not only impacts his quality of life, but his ability to bring joy to others and his family.

 

We are reaching out to all of Bill’s friends and loved ones asking for any monetary donation you would be able to provide. No amount is too small or insignificant. Every donation will help my Dad on this long, difficult journey ahead.

 

We encourage you to please share my father, Bill’s story with others who would be willing to lend their support.