Coach Ron Miller

Hi, my name is Kim and I’m raising funds for my dad and mom.

As some of you may know, Dad has been in the hospital since early August.

He went into the ER with severe shoulder pain and was then admitted in the ICU when they determined he had an E. coli infection that attacked his shoulder. Within two days, he had surgery to remove the infected tissue on an already arthritic shoulder. He had to be put on a course of IV antibiotics for at least 6 weeks in order to treat the infection in the blood. Another test a few days later revealed the infection was also present on a small section of one of the valves in his heart. Then, the doctors found that the source of the “leak” was in his colon and they needed to remove it in order to stop any further or future infections. After a second surgery in less than a week, his body was under so much stress, his heart went into AFib so he was moved back to ICU. They began treating the AFib, but it dropped his blood pressure too low, so they had to reassess and treat the low BP first and figure what medications would work to get him stable. He eventually came out of that, but his kidney function began to decline, so he then needed to start dialysis.

Now, anyone who knows him, knows he’s a STRONG man and he doesn’t give up easily. This was true the entire time he was in the hospital, even with everything he had to endure, and after almost a month, he was finally able to be discharged, but was unable to go home as he could not take care of himself quite yet and Mom would only be able to do so much to give him the help he needs. So, he was transferred to a short term facility where he could get rehab. However, the day he was discharged, he was prescribed a medication that he reacted poorly to, and he suffered all the side effects there were. The first week in rehab, he was not himself. So much in fact, they thought he had another infection and took him to the ER. Mom & I determined it was the medication he was on and had them stop administering it. However, this week of not being himself hindered his progress of getting stronger and able to get to the point of being able to go home. Given everything he’s been through, we as a family didn’t expect him to be up and running around just yet, but the insurance company is less than understanding or compassionate. Coverage has run out, and although we are appealing it, they may decline it or end coverage again too early if the appeal is approved.

Mom has been through hell & back this entire time trying to do what’s best for Dad and get him better and back home, and it’s wearing on her. We try to help as much as we can but can only do so much.

She said she will figure things out financially, but it’s just one more added stress I would love to take off her plate. She would never ask for help, so I am stepping in to do so. If you feel so inclined to help financially, we would forever be grateful to you. If you cannot contribute financially, we simply ask for prayers. Prayers for dad to get stronger, healthier, and eventually make it back home where he wants to be. Prayers for the doctors to figure out each medical issue so he can get healthy and strong. Prayers for mom to stay strong and peace to surround her each day. Prayers for all of us to feel God’s love and know we will all get through this together.

We thank all those of you who have already shown love by coming to visit, calling, sending cards, or just sending your thoughts dad’s way.

God bless each and every one of you.