Calling all Earth Angels to help Chadd in need

January 26, 2022, 5:33 pm: "Leslie, this is Chadd's boss. Chadd was loading a truck with the guys and suddenly went down. 911 was called. They are taking him to the hospital." That's the text I received when everything changed.

My brother arrived at the hospital that night; he was not responding when spoken to. He had suffered a stroke, and a blood clot had formed on the left side of his brain. He had no movement on the right side of his body and had no speech. The doctor said they would do a procedure to remove the clot if the medication they gave him wasn't working. He then would be transferred to another hospital. Once I arrived at the hospital, they told me they had taken him into surgery, and he was actually still in surgery when visiting hours were over, so I could not keep waiting, and I didn't get to see him. It hurt because I wanted him to know he wasn't alone, that I was there, and be brave. It was not until 11:54 pm that I received a call from the nurse. He had arrived at the new hospital and was in ICU sleeping.

The next few days, you'll be able to read about in the updates, but here is the short version: He was put in restraints because the involuntary muscle spasms were pulling on the cords and at one point ripped one out. His kidneys tested high in protein. He did eat a few ice chips. However, a feeding tube is now needed. We received news that they were trying to keep his brain from swelling more but needed to start rehydrating him so that his muscles would get what they needed. The feeding tube made him vomit twice, and it aspirated into his lungs, causing respiratory distress. His lungs were suctioned of the fluid, and this was taken to be tested. An oxygen tube was placed down his throat to help him breathe. The feeding tube was then switched to the other nostril.

Last night we got a call that they were doing a blood transfusion since his hemoglobin was low. This morning they believe he has a blood infection, but we won't know for three days, about the same time the lung results come in. He will be on antibiotics for this. Each time the phone rings, our stomachs drop, but we rotate daily visiting him (COVID protocols, only one person each day), showing our support and giving love and prayers.

Here is a little bit about Chadd's journey in life. He was diagnosed with Lupus at age 18 and is now 35. Life for him has been a series of ups and downs. He had to learn to adjust to a life of chronic pain, arthritis, weight loss and gain, sickness and the inability to do what he once could do in the same capacity. There was never a remission as he had hoped, so he made the best out of the situation. As the years went by, he found his passion in woodworking. Anything from creating furniture at our father's business to creative projects for family and friends. His family motto was: "In the end, all you have is family." Nothing could be closer to the truth. He loves family dearly and shows it in his unique ways. He considers himself a master griller, and I will admit he makes some darn good dishes. One, in particular, the family loves is his seafood boil. Yummmm! All you reading this would get a kick out of him.

If anything, these last few days have taught me much. One is as worlds shift, so must we. I'm asking you, our community, our extended family to help give Chadd peace of mind while he fights to heal his mind, body and spirit. We do not know how long he will be in the ICU, but he will go directly into rehab once released. His road of speech and physical recovery is still unknown. Until then, please help ease him of his financial burden while he cannot. He has two storage units full of his belongings and some current debt. I canceled as much as I could that was not currently needed; however, much still can't be taken on. I ask that you help eliminate his current debt that I know of right now, which estimates at $8,400. Without that, I can save for the unknown medical costs and what he'll need once rehab starts. We would be so blessed to know it was one less thing he had to worry about while on this journey of life and healing. I know the miracles of life, love and community strength, and I thank you for yours.

His sister,

Leslie Perrin