Hi everyone, I’m Teri Hamilton and I am a friend of Tina Thomas. If you know Tina, then you already know she will do anything in her power to help you! Even if she’s never met you before, if you ask her to pray for you or someone you know, she will and will check back with you to see how that person is doing.

If you are reading this, Tina needs our help! Her husband Willie has Parkinson’s. He has been a hard worker his entire life. About one year ago, his condition had gotten so bad he had to resign and go on Social Security disability. However, he has one more year to go before he qualifies for Medicare.

For several months, Willie has had a pretty poor quality of life because he was in so much pain. It took a while to be able to see the required type of doctor, and then there were all the tests to ensure Willie’s body could handle the necessary surgery, a full back replacement and then some.

He was admitted into UAB on 5/5 and has had 3 major surgeries. The last surgery on 5/12 lasted 12 1/2 hours. He was released by UAB and transferred by ambulance to Northport DCH hospital/rehab center two weeks ago. Tina’s insurance will only pay for a maximum of 21 days of rehab. He’s going to be released sometime next week.

Once he’s released, he’s going to require round-the-clock coverage. The hospital team advised her it isn’t safe for Willie to be at home alone. Tina has a full-time job as a facilities laborer at the University of Alabama. She’s going to need to hire someone to sit with Willie when she’s at work and when family and friends are unable to be there with him.

The rehab staff met with Tina a couple of days ago and told her he’s going to need a power wheelchair and a Hoyer lift. Her insurance will cover 80% of the cost, but that leaves at least $4000 that she’s going to need to obtain those two pieces of equipment. This amount far exceeds what Tina earns at UA, and that doesn’t even include the costs for hiring caregivers. Today 6/21, her nephews are building Willie & Tina a wheelchair ramp so he can get into their home once he’s home. I’m estimating the cost of the ramp materials at $1000.

It’s quite possible Tina and Willie are going to need more than this amount as his rehab is projected to last a year or more.

If you are able to help, it would be much appreciated!! Any amount will help. Thank you, God Bless, and please keep Willie and Tina in your prayers.