Brian & Betsy Hand

Diane Harnish & Diana Kronstadt are asking friends & family of Brian and Betsy to help them get through Brian’s current medical & financial crisis. Specifically, the need is for help with Brian’s daily caregiving and living expenses until other resources are in place - which we estimate could take up to six months. Your help will assure that Betsy does not have to further drain her resources to support him.

Some background: On June 8, Brian took his usual daily walk when he collapsed and fell face down, unconscious. He was taken to Kaiser Hospital in San Rafael where he was diagnosed with Covid. Brian had a high fever, painful sore throat, laryngitis, difficulty breathing, extreme weakness, and fatigue. He was treated with antiviral medications and oxygen and fortunately did not have to go on a ventilator. He was in the hospital for a very difficult 18 days in isolation with no visitors and medical staff suited up in protective gear. When he was discharged on June 26, it was clear that he required care at home. Betsy found Mesake - a wonderful, kind, competent caregiver through her Hospice contacts.

At home in the care of Mesake, helped by Betsy and their daughter Krista, Brian’s recovery was slow and uneven. His energy level continued to be low, and he could not resume the tasks of caring for himself. Then on July 25, complaining of intense pain in his rib cage, Brian was taken back to Kaiser, where he was diagnosed with pneumonia, a urinary tract infection and sepsis. He was treated with IV antibiotics and was released on July 29 on oral antibiotics. He is now at home again with Mesake, still very weak.

The need: All this has significantly impacted Brian’s rapidly diminishing financial resources. Betsy has been working diligently to find and access additional services and funds for him. Her commitment to supporting him emotionally and financially is strong, but her own resources are limited. She is applying for MediCal for Brian, which will provide some money for Brian’s caregiving needs. In addition, their son Theo is also helping by pursuing all avenues of low-cost housing for Brian so he can find a new and less costly living situation. We estimate that putting both of these crucial programs in place could take up to six months. In the meantime, Brian’s current need for caregiving support is considerable, and the costs are quickly adding up.

Please donate whatever amount feels comfortable to you. It will all help, and remember, you can donate anonymously. Also, note that a Tip to GoFundMe is adjustable from 0% to 30% after entering the donation amount and before paying.

Thank you so much.

Diane & Diana