Bryan’s Story

So here is the news that we have been hesitant to share until now. If you are part of the WCBC Radio listening audience, you have probably noticed that the familiar voice behind your local news reporting has been missing. You may have heard that Bryan Gowans has been having some medical issues that have kept him away from the microphone. Our family story changed dramatically on March 25, 2023, when Bryan suffered a massive stroke. At least two lifesaving procedures and countless other emergencies have taken place since then. At every turn, we were told he should not have survived. First, the stroke. Then surgery #1. And then surgery #2. All were longshots for his survival. But Bryan wasn’t ready to quit then and he’s not ready to quit now. He’s still in the game. The stroke has not dulled his wit or his dry sense of humor, but it has rendered him paralyzed on his left side. At this time, he is unable walk, and the way the medical system works, it has been impossible to get him meaningful therapy. We are not giving up hope that one day a motorized wheelchair is in his future. Or maybe that he can regain some use of his left side. The brain is amazing and miracles happen. For the last several months, Bryan has been a resident at the Allegany County Nursing Home. It is our wish that we can bring him home, where we can take care of him and he can be surrounded by his daughters and grandkids who want their Kip back. But this will be a massive undertaking for our family as we need to ensure we can get the right resources in place for his care. As a family, we are financially drained. This type of care is expensive and ongoing. We are working every possible option to get financial resources to help him, but honestly the process is slow. Bryan will need care and equipment that extends way beyond what we can afford. We need help. It is extremely difficult for us to ask for help, especially since Bryan is such a private person. Please consider making a donation so Bryan can be surrounded by the family who loves him the most. We think being home may make a tremendous difference in his recovery. We may be down, but we are certainly not out. We live to play another day! Fist pump! Sparkle! Thank you!