Hey there, I'm Kelly (pictured next to my soul-mate at Thanksgiving) and he has asked me to start this page. Some of you will be shocked at our story, for this I apologize, we have been trying our best to keep everything as positive and private for Dan as we could.

As most of you know, Dan had a triple bypass in February. He came through it like a CHAMP!! Fast forward to almost end of cardiac rehab, Dan began to have unexllained shortness of breath. All we were told was to wait to see our pulmonologist. Fast forward again to July when we were able to see our current lung specialist who was able to give us reasons. He has been diagnosed with Stage 4 COPD (Emphysema) in both upper lobes and one of two forms of Fibrosis ( Respiratory bronchiolitis-associated interstitial lung disease (RB-ILD) / Desquamative interstitial pneumonia (DIP)) in both lower lobes. With these diagnosis, we were told optimistically Dan would have about a year left with us, this was in October. Our last fast forward brings us to where we are now. Dan is currently hospitalized in Illinois with COVID Pneumonia (I'm at home in Kentucky, per his request). He's doing everything he physically can to not be placed on a vent as that would be even more of a struggle for him to overcome.

With Dan being out of work since February, we have had to utilize our savings, his annuity and help from family and friends (that are family) to try to keep our heads above water and not have him stress about the situation. We are drained mentally, emotionally, physically and now financially.

I want to add, my company has been very generous in allowing me to work from home on an as needed basis. They have been wonderfully understanding and supportive of us.

Anyone who truly knows us, knows that this is the toughest request we have ever made. Any donations received will be used for medical bills and household bills to be able to lower our stress levels.

Thank you for taking time to read a snippet of our story.