GoFundMe for John Simpkins

March 5 of 2020, my dad John Simpkins was admitted into the hospital at St. Bernards in Jonesboro, AR with pneumonia. Little did we know, 4 days later that the pneumonia would develop into a tragic condition known as ARDS (Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome). Dad was quickly placed in the ICU on March 9 as the pneumonia worsened into ARDS and placed on a ventilator within a few hours. From that moment on, our lives have been forever changed. 

Within a few days, a trach was placed and medical experts have worked tirelessly to save my dad’s life. However, his condition has continued to progress and threaten his life as he is now in complete respiratory failure from the ARDS damage and transitioning into the fibrotic phase of ARDS. A doctor explained his state of condition at this point as a “broken bone in a cast”. The ventilator is working as dad’s cast, supporting him and keeping him alive to try to heal. With the long-term period of being in the ICU and on a ventilator comes the long list of risks that may arise at any given moment putting him in more jeopardy as well as the overall risk of his lungs just not being able to run any longer. We have already witnessed a risk occur as he was diagnosed with the flu Saturday, March 28. So, not only is he fighting ARDS and respiratory failure, he’s fighting the flu currently. 

As we try to navigate the roller coaster of emotions and constant change in medical aspects, we remain hopeful that he can fight through this, even with the odds fighting us right back. ARDS is an up and down condition with no specific cure or treatment and it’s taken it’s toll on not only dad and our family, but his medical team as they strive daily to provide the best supportive care possible which is all they truly can do at this point. Support him in all areas of health to allow his lungs and body to heal and become strong again and hope for the best along the way. 

The doctors have discussed with us the possible months or longer that it will take for him to recover if it’s God’s will. These months will take place in the ICU or rehab setting, therefore, will not be cheap or easy for anyone realistically.

I have spent countless hours deeply thinking about pursuing this and considering it all and at this point, I know it’s necessary. It’s for my dad, what more should I even have to consider?

I wanted to create this GoFundMe to help provide for my dad and mom during this time as he continues to fight for his life each day. To help provide for his supportive care that will be continuous and ongoing for months or longer. To get him to the rehab facility and support him everyday while he’s there as well as help my mom manage life for both of them in all areas. I want dad to wake up and for him to be able to focus on healing and getting strong enough to return to his life, whatever that may end up being. I want my mom and our family to be able to be there for him when he wakes up 100% and to continue riding this journey with him, not for stress of medical bills and reality to take attention or time from loving him through this.

The medical team has prepared us for the possible life that is to come for not only dad, but our family to the best of their ability. Therefore, I am trying to do the same. We are hopeful and keeping faith that it is in God’s hands and if it his will, March 9 will not be the last time we hear his voice or see his eyes but instead be a step towards his recovery and new self.

As I write this, it’s been 21 days since we heard his voice. 21 days since we saw his eyes opened. 21 long and hard days that we have missed out on his endless talking and jokes. We would give anything for those priceless moments again.

As we continue this medical journey toward weaning him off the ventilator, healing, and rehab (fingers crossed), we are aware of the costs that lie ahead regardless of outcome in the end. Our journey has been so long already, but we are more aware now that it is only starting to begin.

Our family appreciates your consideration, thoughtfulness, support, and overall love through this horrific time.

Please continue to pray for my dad, family, and doctors as we continue to help him fight this ugly and exhausting condition, ARDS.

With all my love,
Autumn Curtner