Donation protected
We, the German and American families of David DeGroat, would like to share with you that, tragically, on Christmas Eve 2020 David DeGroat had a massive stroke after a short bike ride near his home in Germany. Emergency neurosurgery helped stop the bleeding and swelling in his brain. He spent 4 weeks in ICU (including 3 on a ventilator) before being moved to a specialized stroke unit. Although unable to move the left side of his body, he had some mobility with his right. He was outfitted with a feeding tube, so nutrition was entering his body and fueling his recovery. He spoke a few words and even managed to smile a few times.
Shortly, however, he began to lose much of this functionality. It was determined that an excess of spinal fluid was causing pressure on his brain. In surgery, doctors inserted a shunt to help manage the pressure, with the hope that this intervention would improve his path to recovery.
He was moved to a rehabilitation facility, where he participated in physical, speech, occupational, and breathing therapies. His loving wife, Prisca DeGroat, and his two sons, Bela (19) and Jasper (17), were not allowed to visit him due to strict COVID protocol. They traveled one hour each week to the rehabilitation facility to drop off clean t-shirts for him and pick up the soiled ones, but couldn’t enter the facility. Prisca advocated for his care through daily phone calls with the various therapists and doctors. Every day she got updates on Dave’s condition, and we were hopeful that he was making progress. After 5 weeks in rehab, Prisca was finally allowed to have 2 in-person visits per week, but only after getting – before every visit - negative results from a COVID rapid test. The rehabilitation facility had a video call system which was a relief to his sister, father and Dave’s two sons who could talk to him weekly. His room is lovingly filled with cards and flowers from family and friends, co-workers and neighbors, and his wife and two sons have been supported by their community. But, despite all of these loving visits both in person with his wife and virtual with his sons and family, it was evident that he hadn’t made the hoped-for progress. In fact, his condition had declined dramatically.
Currently, nearly 4 months since his stroke, Dave is totally paralyzed and unresponsive.
On April 14, Dave is scheduled for neurosurgery to replace the bones in his skull that were removed during his initial emergency surgery. This will be very serious and significant for him. After recovery, he will return to the rehabilitation facility for a short time before transitioning to a long-term care facility.
While the German medical insurance system provides excellent coverage for critical and acute care, the coverage for long-term care, as in the U.S., is liable to bankrupt any family.
The cost of his care at the long-term facility will place significant financial stress on Prisca, and she will not be able to sustain the intense care he needs without additional support. Dave’s family humbly asks for your help at this time. We are deeply grateful for your consideration and support to Dave and his entire family. It is during times like this that friends, family and loved ones can truly make a difference. Please share this message to those who care about Dave and would like to make an impact at this difficult time. Thank you very much for your love and support.
Shortly, however, he began to lose much of this functionality. It was determined that an excess of spinal fluid was causing pressure on his brain. In surgery, doctors inserted a shunt to help manage the pressure, with the hope that this intervention would improve his path to recovery.
He was moved to a rehabilitation facility, where he participated in physical, speech, occupational, and breathing therapies. His loving wife, Prisca DeGroat, and his two sons, Bela (19) and Jasper (17), were not allowed to visit him due to strict COVID protocol. They traveled one hour each week to the rehabilitation facility to drop off clean t-shirts for him and pick up the soiled ones, but couldn’t enter the facility. Prisca advocated for his care through daily phone calls with the various therapists and doctors. Every day she got updates on Dave’s condition, and we were hopeful that he was making progress. After 5 weeks in rehab, Prisca was finally allowed to have 2 in-person visits per week, but only after getting – before every visit - negative results from a COVID rapid test. The rehabilitation facility had a video call system which was a relief to his sister, father and Dave’s two sons who could talk to him weekly. His room is lovingly filled with cards and flowers from family and friends, co-workers and neighbors, and his wife and two sons have been supported by their community. But, despite all of these loving visits both in person with his wife and virtual with his sons and family, it was evident that he hadn’t made the hoped-for progress. In fact, his condition had declined dramatically.
Currently, nearly 4 months since his stroke, Dave is totally paralyzed and unresponsive.
On April 14, Dave is scheduled for neurosurgery to replace the bones in his skull that were removed during his initial emergency surgery. This will be very serious and significant for him. After recovery, he will return to the rehabilitation facility for a short time before transitioning to a long-term care facility.
While the German medical insurance system provides excellent coverage for critical and acute care, the coverage for long-term care, as in the U.S., is liable to bankrupt any family.
The cost of his care at the long-term facility will place significant financial stress on Prisca, and she will not be able to sustain the intense care he needs without additional support. Dave’s family humbly asks for your help at this time. We are deeply grateful for your consideration and support to Dave and his entire family. It is during times like this that friends, family and loved ones can truly make a difference. Please share this message to those who care about Dave and would like to make an impact at this difficult time. Thank you very much for your love and support.
Organizer
Lisa Sandstrom
Organizer
Norwalk, CT