As many of you already know, my brother Tom suffered massive heat stroke on Sunday, July 31, that caused his heart to stop and his organs to fail. When he arrived at Northridge Medical, his temperature was 104, and he was immediately admitted to the Critical Care Unit, where he remained until yesterday (Aug. 9), when he was transferred to Cedar Sinai. He has been heavily sedated and on a ventilator the entire time. His liver and kidneys are the biggest concern, with his new team of doctors recommending Tom receive a liver transplant. They are currently attempting to fast-track him onto the transplant list. In speaking with the medical staff, even with the best scenario, Tom is looking at an extended stay at Cedar Sinai as his body recovers from this terrible accident. His wife Sara has been at Tom's side almost constantly since the beginning, seldom leaving the hospital and averaging 2-3 hours of sleep a night in an uncomfortable plastic chair.

Our concern is that even with their medical benefits from the LA Unified School District, their bills for this process, combined with missed work or needed equipment when Tom is finally able to complete his recovery at home, could become significant over this extended process. Just driving to Cedar Sinai from the Valley every day will add up quickly. With everything they are going through, I don't want debt to be piled on top. I'm asking anyone and everyone to please help them financially through this difficult time.