Dear Friends & Family,

Sadly, 2 weeks ago, my dad had a severe stroke. He was sent to St. Mary’s hospital in Grand Rapids. After spending a few days there, he was transferred to Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation Center where he is now. Most of you are aware of the tremendous challenges he faced nearly 30 years ago when he under went a 13 hour brain surgery to remove a massive tumor. Today my dad is once again faced with the challenge of relearning to talk, swallow and use his limbs among other things. Amazingly he has stayed in good spirits and is again determined to recover. On Thursday December 3rd he is being discharged from Mary Free Bed. He will continue to work with their amazing staff through outpatient therapy. 

Unfortunately, he has not yet recovered enough to go home, or to safely do many everyday tasks independently. My brother and I have worked hard to find the next best place for him. Our goal has been to keep him out of the nursing home, where we fear he would lose his will and would be forced to live in isolation due to COVID. Of course, as you know, you get what you pay for. Thankfully he does qualify for several resources to help cover costs. However, these things do not show up overnight. While he needs the support now, it will likely be weeks and in some cases months before that support comes. Inevitably, there will be a lot of out of pocket costs for the next couple of months.

My brother and I are reaching out to ask for contributions to help cover initial expenses. We realize that 2020 is bringing challenges to everyone so please do not feel pressured. We are only asking friends and family to do what they can. Also, please know that everyone’s calls, texts, kind words and prayers have been so appreciated during this difficult time and do not go undervalued. Feel free to private message me if you would like to make alternative arrangements to help the cause. Thank you all and best wishes to you and your families.

Sincerely, 

Todd & Tracy