Elmer Garcia's Rehabilitation
Donation protected
When Elmer fell ill in early March, he had no idea he was battling a silent killer that has taken more than 100,000 lives. About 6 weeks later he would begin his most difficult journey to-date - fighting for his life. On April 26, 2020, Elmer was rushed in an ambulance and checked into the ICU at Good Samaritan Hospital after suffering a massive stroke and with serious COVID-19 symptoms. He could barely breathe, so he was given an oxygen mask to help his lungs take in the necessary oxygen to keep him going. The next day he aspirated (inhaled vomit into his lungs) and was found unresponsive by the nursing staff. He developed aspiration pneumonia, adding to an already unfortunate situation. Without another alternative and under heavy sedation the doctors decided to intubate him. Considering the survival rate for COVID-19 victims after being intubated, Elmer had a small chance of surviving. The doctors and nursing staff had to always remain vigilant in case of any potential disaster because to enter his room took about 15 minutes for them to gear up in their protective gear. Suffice it to say that Elmer knocked on death's door, but said "NOT TODAY! I'm not coming in!!! I have a life to live with my family!”
Throughout this time his "village" prayed for him and supported him and his wife in unmeasurable ways. His care team at the hospital – an incredible group of smart, talented, caring individuals – did everything in their power to see him through. THANK YOU seems like an inadequate phrase to express the gratitude Elmer and his family feels for all of you.
Unfortunately, the massive stroke severely affected Elmer’s left side of his body. He is now in a rehabilitation center relearning how to speak, walk, perform daily activities, and regaining his strength so that he can head back home to his wife, Janet, and sons, Elmer, Angel and Sammy, and the rest of his family and friends. But that is just the next step in his long road to recovery.
For someone as active as Elmer, this new “normal” is life-changing. But with the right doctors, therapies, equipment, and support, we know he will rise to the occasion and tackle this next challenge. His strength and resilience will get him through this difficult time, and he will be back to enjoying life the best way he can.
Having to worry about medical expenses should not be in the forefront of anyone’s recovery. In the grand scheme of things, those concerns should not even exist for anyone, but unfortunately, they do. In the meantime, we do not know the road ahead but we know it will not be an easy one.
I know things are difficult right now, so any additional financial support you can provide to ease the anticipated financial strain is more than greatly appreciated.
Whether you can or can’t, we remain thankful for having such a great support network. Thank you for your generosity and spirit!
Throughout this time his "village" prayed for him and supported him and his wife in unmeasurable ways. His care team at the hospital – an incredible group of smart, talented, caring individuals – did everything in their power to see him through. THANK YOU seems like an inadequate phrase to express the gratitude Elmer and his family feels for all of you.
Unfortunately, the massive stroke severely affected Elmer’s left side of his body. He is now in a rehabilitation center relearning how to speak, walk, perform daily activities, and regaining his strength so that he can head back home to his wife, Janet, and sons, Elmer, Angel and Sammy, and the rest of his family and friends. But that is just the next step in his long road to recovery.
For someone as active as Elmer, this new “normal” is life-changing. But with the right doctors, therapies, equipment, and support, we know he will rise to the occasion and tackle this next challenge. His strength and resilience will get him through this difficult time, and he will be back to enjoying life the best way he can.
Having to worry about medical expenses should not be in the forefront of anyone’s recovery. In the grand scheme of things, those concerns should not even exist for anyone, but unfortunately, they do. In the meantime, we do not know the road ahead but we know it will not be an easy one.
I know things are difficult right now, so any additional financial support you can provide to ease the anticipated financial strain is more than greatly appreciated.
Whether you can or can’t, we remain thankful for having such a great support network. Thank you for your generosity and spirit!
Organizer and beneficiary
Ces Garcia
Organizer
Deer Park, NY
Elmer Garcia
Beneficiary