David and Jerilyn

On July 11, 2023 Jerilyn and David’s life took a sudden and completely unexpected detour. As they packed for their first trip away without their two daughters in 25 years, David suffered a major right-brain stroke. David had retired a year earlier and Jerilyn had retired one week prior to his stroke. They made the decision to retire early so that they could enjoy traveling, camping and other adventures while they were still young and healthy. David has loved cycling his entire life and decided to start his retirement adventure in the Fall of 2022 when he rode from New York City to Montreal on his bike, camping and enjoying the beauty and adventure along the way. They were planning to buy a little camper and their kayaks had just arrived at their house the day before David’s stroke. This was obviously not part of the plan, but David and Jerilyn are handling this like they’ve handled all challenges in their life together . . . as a team. Still, it has been heartbreaking and difficult for David and Jerilyn and their family, as well as everyone who loves and cares about them.

Since David’s stroke, he has endured three surgeries and has lost the ability to use the left side of his body. He spent weeks in ICU before he was transferred to the UW stroke unit where he stayed for weeks. He then went to the UW Rehab Hospital where he spent several more weeks and began to make little steps of progress. Currently, he is at Waunakee Valley’s Rehab Skilled Nursing Facility and is planning for a return home in the next couple of weeks. That’s where you come in!

So many people have asked how they can help and, until now, it’s been hard to know what this might look like. As you can imagine, there are so many costs associated with this kind of medical situation. David continues to need a wheelchair and requires various medical devices for transfer from his bed to the wheelchair, they have installed a ramp at their home and have also remodeled their bathroom for a wheelchair accessible shower. There will be more costs to come, but right now they are needing to purchase or rent a wheelchair accessible van so that transportation becomes a safe and possible option for them. We are setting up this fund with this goal in mind. Any donation of any amount is accepted with such gratitude and appreciation! If you’re not able to donate, please know that your thoughts and prayers for David and Jerilyn and their family are also appreciated with warm gratitude.