Family’s Emergency: Father in ICU

UPDATE AS OF 5/1/25:

New update on dad: Last week, mom attempted to get dad moved to an acute care facility as he was showing some improvements. She felt that more aggressive therapy would help him get where he wants to be faster. Unfortunately, insurance would not approve. Yesterday morning, dad told mom he’s ready to come home. Although the skilled nursing facility would rather have him stay at least another week or so, he feels he will improve more at home in more familiar surroundings. Mom worked diligently with the social services department yesterday and tomorrow at 9 am he will be going home. Mom met with the physical therapists this morning so she could receive training on how to help him ambulate. Dad will be going to outpatient PT at least three times a week. Please continue to pray as this will be a huge undertaking for mom; however, we are blessed that dad is still with us and mom wants the best for him not just physically, but mentally as well. Dad is a fighter and with mom and all of us behind him, he’s going to do great! It’s been a long six weeks for all of us, and especially dad, but it will be great to see him sitting in his favorite recliner again! Thanks again for all your prayers and support. We truly would not be where we are without you all! Blessings to you and yours!

UPDATE AS OF 4/13/25:

On Thursday, Dad was transferred to a skilled nursing facility close to home. He is anticipated to be there for approximately 15-20 days. It definitely makes it easier for mom as her travel time to see dad is shorter. He needs to be able to sit up and walk out of bed by himself which he is unable to do at this time. He was placed back on oxygen this morning. He has a long road to recovery and we are requesting no visitors at this time as he tires easily still. Dad seems to enjoy the quiet time. Please continue to pray for us all as we are navigating this new right now with dad.

UPDATE AS OF 4/5/25:

Yesterday, he was extubated and is only on a nasal cannula at this time. He is working hard to breathe on his own which is causing his BP and heart rate to be higher than normal, but the doctors have reassured us that this is normal. Visitation needs to be minimal at this time as he tires easily as he is working hard to breathe again on his own. Thank you for the continued prayers as he has a long road to recovery. Don’t forget his 60th birthday is Tuesday, and if you’d like to send him Happy Birthday wishes, message me or one of my sisters, and I will make sure your message is given to him.

UPDATE AS OF 3/31/2025:

Dad and Mom arrived on Thursday night from the Dominican Republic at 11:30 PM. Dad was admitted to the ICU and has been intubated and sedated since then. A team of doctors are on his case and are running multiple tests daily. We do know he is septic, but pneumonia is starting to improve. At this point, everything is just a waiting game. Their big concern is he has been on the vent for 3.5 days and is not responding to commands yet.

All of us are finally together as a family again. Although five of us had to stay back on the boat, before dad got ill, his one request was to take lots of pictures so he could see them when we all reunited. Please keep praying because now we are looking at a long road of recovery and the medical costs are mounting daily.

Original Post:

We had a family vacation planned for my father’a 60th birthday. We boarded the cruise ship on Saturday, March 22nd. He got ill late Saturday night and by Sunday at 1 pm, we had to take him to medical center. We found out he was in shock, has acute kidney failure, diabetic ketoacidosis, blood clot in lung, sepsis, and pneumonia. On Monday, at our first port, he and my mom had to get off the ship for medical care in the Dominican Republic. He is in ICU and we have already had to pay $8,000 out of pocket for a down payment. We are only allowed to see him two hours a day, and my mom is paying $300 a night plus a driver one way at $50 to hospital. If you are unable to give, just please send prayers our way because we are trying to get him well enough to get him airlifted to Indianapolis. Nathan and I are currently with my mom if you have any questions, please reach out.

If you have any of these preferred payment methods, thank you in advance for your donations.

Venmo: LeighAnn-Belton

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