Bringing Anton Home
Donation protected
As many of you know, Anton was critically injured in a motorcycle accident over a month ago (less than 2 months after he returned from deployment) on his way home from work. He was launched from his bike at 25 mph into a signpost, and has suffered extensive internal injuries.
He has had four major surgeries with another coming up in 6 months. His small intestine was severed and large sections of his colon were crushed or perforated and had to be removed. They hand sutured his small intestine and inserted a drainage tube to protect the healing section, and inserted a feeding tube in order to provide nutrition during this delicate stage. He has an ileostomy that they hope will be temporary but they have to wait at least 6 months to determine whether it can be reversed. In the meantime the his colon is sealed off and healing in the hopes of reversing the ileostomy and putting it back to normal. His stomach was put into shock so that it doesn't contract and expand to digest food. His surgeon thinks that allowing it to rest for several weeks will help it recover, and it seems to be showing signs of recovery, but his intestines still aren't ready. His left kidney is dead, but they aren't removing it because it will cause greater trauma to his body. He has an unstable fracture to his 3rd lumbar, and the spinal process cracked and left chips floating free, which damaged ligaments around his 3rd lumbar. His vertebrae has been stabilized with rods and screws and the bone chips were removed so that they do not cause further damage or risk his spinal canal.
The good news is that his right kidney, liver, and spleen are unharmed, he has no paralysis, and no head injuries. His long term prognosis is very good, but it's going to be a long, slow recovery.
Michele has been a faithful and fierce caregiver these past weeks, and is preparing for the long road ahead as the day Anton comes home from the hospital draws nearer.
The army has been a tremendous blessing to them, through physical, emotional, and financial support. The vast majority of their medical expenses are covered, but as many of us know, when crisis strikes, there are unexpected costs that insurance won't cover. Michele has had to purchase a $1750 adjustable bed for their apartment, and there may be more things they need to outfit their home for accessibility.
Right now, Michele is at the hospital most of the day, but she has to return home to care for the critters, and she has no time for basic housework. There have been many helping hands, but being able to cut the stress in between with paid pet and housekeeping services would make it easier for her to care for Anton.
Their first and greatest need is always prayer. God has been good and faithful to them, and we continue to ask that He bring healing to Anton and strength to them both. Please pray particularly for the recovery of his colon and his upcoming surgery.
If you are like me, and want to do more, please consider donating to help in Anton's homecoming. Every little bit helps, and it is just a small way we can love them from afar.
He has had four major surgeries with another coming up in 6 months. His small intestine was severed and large sections of his colon were crushed or perforated and had to be removed. They hand sutured his small intestine and inserted a drainage tube to protect the healing section, and inserted a feeding tube in order to provide nutrition during this delicate stage. He has an ileostomy that they hope will be temporary but they have to wait at least 6 months to determine whether it can be reversed. In the meantime the his colon is sealed off and healing in the hopes of reversing the ileostomy and putting it back to normal. His stomach was put into shock so that it doesn't contract and expand to digest food. His surgeon thinks that allowing it to rest for several weeks will help it recover, and it seems to be showing signs of recovery, but his intestines still aren't ready. His left kidney is dead, but they aren't removing it because it will cause greater trauma to his body. He has an unstable fracture to his 3rd lumbar, and the spinal process cracked and left chips floating free, which damaged ligaments around his 3rd lumbar. His vertebrae has been stabilized with rods and screws and the bone chips were removed so that they do not cause further damage or risk his spinal canal.
The good news is that his right kidney, liver, and spleen are unharmed, he has no paralysis, and no head injuries. His long term prognosis is very good, but it's going to be a long, slow recovery.
Michele has been a faithful and fierce caregiver these past weeks, and is preparing for the long road ahead as the day Anton comes home from the hospital draws nearer.
The army has been a tremendous blessing to them, through physical, emotional, and financial support. The vast majority of their medical expenses are covered, but as many of us know, when crisis strikes, there are unexpected costs that insurance won't cover. Michele has had to purchase a $1750 adjustable bed for their apartment, and there may be more things they need to outfit their home for accessibility.
Right now, Michele is at the hospital most of the day, but she has to return home to care for the critters, and she has no time for basic housework. There have been many helping hands, but being able to cut the stress in between with paid pet and housekeeping services would make it easier for her to care for Anton.
Their first and greatest need is always prayer. God has been good and faithful to them, and we continue to ask that He bring healing to Anton and strength to them both. Please pray particularly for the recovery of his colon and his upcoming surgery.
If you are like me, and want to do more, please consider donating to help in Anton's homecoming. Every little bit helps, and it is just a small way we can love them from afar.
Organizer and beneficiary
Katelyn Simpson
Organizer
Cincinnati, OH
Michele Draves
Beneficiary
