Bill Kennedy

Dear Friends and Family,

We are seeking your help for Bill Kennedy’s recovery from a serious stroke on August 19, 2022. He has come through the past two harrowing weeks and is out of the ICU. He's now at the Burke Rehabilitation Hospital in White Plains. He's making progress toward recovery, but it's going to take a while, and the long-term prognosis is uncertain. He will need significant rehabilitation and treatment in order to re-emerge as the smart, kind and loving friend, partner and family member we all know.

Bill’s partner Mallory has been with him since the stroke, first at Yale New Haven Hospital and now at the rehabilitation center. His family, who lives nearby, has been instrumental to his healing so far. We established the William A Kennedy Supplemental Needs Trust, which is the beneficiary of this GoFundMe, to help make sure Bill, Mallory and all of us can focus on recovery rather than worrying about the abundance of costs that come along with long-term rehabilitation - especially the costs that his medical coverage won't cover.

We are calling on his larger community and network now, to support his long-term treatment. Bill has been making incredible progress already: his humor was in full view on day one, he and Mallory have worked out ways to communicate his needs with the medical team, and he is beginning to be able to move the limbs on his right side, which was at first paralyzed. He’s taking new music and movie recommendations, flipping the bird for photos and working incredibly hard at bringing his body back to as full a level of functioning as he can.

The treatment your support will create includes long-term rehabilitation near his home in New York City, and alternative treatments like massage and acupuncture, that are already helping, alongside the best medical care we can find. Bill’s insurance carries a high deductible, and it’s not clear yet whether or not he’ll need to go on disability or how much his policy will cover. It’s also possible he’ll need alternative housing for Bill as he recovers (he and Mallory live in a 5th floor walk-up in NYC).

Mallory has been reading him emails sent by his friends in the hospital here are just a few things they have told him about himself.

"You are one of the best men I have had the pleasure of knowing and working with. I hope you know that."

"I was not joking when I said you taught me everything I know. You imparted such amazing knowledge to me at a crucial time in my career, no doubt leading to where I am today."

"Bill you are always my favorite person to walk onto a work site and see. It’s impossible to be around you and not smile."

Anyone who knows Bill knows he shows up for people in profound ways. His energy, calm and skill as an artist, carpenter, technician and ridiculously handy human being has made our theater, art, music, work and homes better. His kindness to others is inspiring. His devotion to his community is humbling.

Can you show up for him now?