To know Artie is to love him. He has a heart of gold and is a beloved Santa. This has been a tough year for the caveman. What began as an aching back and severe knee pain was really a medical emergency called Cauda Equina syndrome. Since the end of November 2024, Artie has survived multiple life-threatening events, including infectious abscess in the spine, bowel ileus, pulmonary embolism, and sepsis twice. He was hospitalized for 3 months and was largely bedridden for a total of 5 months. He had to retire from Shelby County after 32 years. For the first time in 25 years, he had to abandon his Santa suit. The resulting paralysis and muscular deconditioning from the original diagnosis has presented him with innumerable challenges. The greatest of these challenges has been immobility and lifestyle changes related to wheelchair dependence. While he has worked like a beast and has made amazing progress, his long-term needs are becoming apparent. Greatest among these are making his home more wheelchair friendly and making his truck handicap adapted. Fortunately, his home is all one level, but his door frames are narrow, and his wheelchair is causing his flooring to lift and separate. He is making great strides toward total independence, but the inability to drive keeps him constantly on the phone arranging rides to physical therapy, church, and doctors’ appointments.

With the unwavering support from an army of friends and family, Artie has come so far. The fact that he is even alive today is nothing short of a miracle. He is loved by so many. I thank you all in advance for your generous support for this gentle giant❤️