Doug's long road to recovery...

Hello, my name is Ann Gerritsen. Along with my siblings, I have created this fundraiser on behalf of our brother Doug.  His journey to date is outlined below.  We will continue to provide updates of Doug's progress as he travels along this challenging road to recovery.

A few days before Christmas 2021, our brother, Doug Gerritsen, developed sudden pain in his lower back. With end-of-year preparations underway, he assumed he had strained a back muscle. His condition worsened over the next several days, as chiropractic and other treatments proved unsuccessful. After undergoing various diagnostic tests, doctors discovered that a large mass had grown on his lower spine. His surgeon indicated it was urgent to remove the growth, and surgery was scheduled.

 

Following removal, the mass was biopsied, and with great relief, Doug learned that the growth was benign. However, the surgery did not fully address his problems, as he remained in extreme pain after the surgery. A few days later, a hematoma was discovered at the incision site, and a second emergency surgery was performed. Thankfully, removing the hematoma addressed the pain he experienced. Unfortunately, the surgeries were just the first steps in what has become a very long journey toward recovery.

 

Although no longer in pain, complications delayed Doug’s ability to proceed with the standard post-surgical rehabilitation therapy. Unable to stand or walk, he spent approximately three weeks in the hospital before moving to the Shirley Ryan rehabilitation hospital in downtown Chicago. During the subsequent six weeks of intensive inpatient therapy, sufficient progress was made to enable his transition to outpatient status.

 

Once home, new challenges arose, including being wheelchair-bound in a two-story house that is not at all equipped for it. Through the support of family and friends, basic accommodations have been made, including providing transportation multiple times per week to and from his outpatient therapy sessions.

 

Doug’s determination and positivity throughout the past five months are truly an inspiration to his family. His focus on recovery enables him to view each small improvement as a victory. His doctors believe he will eventually be able to walk, but it may take up to a year of ongoing therapy to reach this goal.

 

The extensive medical care required during his treatment and recovery has placed an unexpected financial burden on Doug and his family. It is crucial that recovery remains Doug’s primary focus during the coming months. Relieving the stress of the mounting costs will enable him to maintain this focus.

 

We ask for your support. Your prayers are always welcome. And any donation you are moved to make, no matter how small, would be greatly appreciated. All of the proceeds of this fundraiser will be given to Doug Gerritsen and his wife.