Healing Hope: Ted's Unexpected Medical Journey

Ted DeJardin, a 52-year-old dedicated father of four, loving husband, brother, and a beloved friend, is in seeking assistance as he navigates an unexpected health crisis. Known for his love of music, singing, and Dungeons and Dragons, Ted is also recognized for his strong and dependable work ethic. Friends fondly referred to Ted as Teddy, Teddy the Yeti, and Uncle Teddy, as he is seen as a gentle giant due to his caring nature.

While Ted takes great pride in his independence and being his family’s main provider, his wife's gentle nudging has allowed him to agree to accept help from others. He wants to share his story and journey as he is facing this sudden, frightening, and unusual health crisis.

In December 2023, just a week before Christmas, Ted was hospitalized due to excruciating pain in his hip and shoulder. Little did he know, his life was in danger at the time of his admission. After undergoing numerous tests, it was discovered that he had a septic infection causing destruction in his shoulder and hip, with the source of which remains unknown to this day.

In order to combat the septic joints, Ted had to undergo surgeries to clean out his hip and shoulder and remove the necrotic(dead) tissue from his shoulder. After spending a week in the hospital, he was sent home with a PICC Line to give him 24/7 penicillin for six weeks to continue to battle the infection. During this time, he struggled to walk and perform basic self-care activities such as showering and dressing. While he started to gradually improve, he recently experienced swelling at the incision site and was readmitted to the hospital for another week. The doctors found the septic infection in his joints once again, leading to two more shoulder surgeries and another hip surgery. They have also needed to restart the 6-week penicillin treatments through the PICC line.

Ted is now back home and healing comfortably, he remains hopeful for a full recovery from the septic infection, however his journey to recovery is far from over. Medical professionals have informed him that it is common to require multiple surgeries for infections like his, highlighting the strong possibility of additional surgeries in the coming months. Furthermore, once the infection is completely eradicated for at least 7 months, the doctors will weigh the risks of a final shoulder surgery to repair a complete rotator cuff tear, which they are unable to perform currently because of the infection. Then another year after that, the infectious medical team will then need to decide the risks vs benefits of doing hip surgery replacing it with an artificial hip. The medical team has warned Ted that he may be unable to work for at least a year, if not indefinitely.

Ted's ongoing medical treatment and future surgeries place a significant financial burden on him and his family. To complicate matters further, Ted's beloved wife, Allison, is also disabled, creating even more challenges for this resilient couple.

Throughout their lives, Ted and Allison have always been supportive and generous towards others in need. Now, it is our turn to come together and support them. Their fundraising goal is $6,000 which is their out-of-pocket deductible from having to switch to a new insurance due to Ted no longer being able to work. All funds will go directly to Ted. Your participation and contribution to their upcoming fundraising event will be invaluable and greatly appreciated.

Together, we can help alleviate the financial strain of Ted's medical bills, physical therapy, and other necessary expenses. Let's demonstrate to Ted and Allison that they are not alone in this fight. Your generosity will make a tremendous difference in their lives.

Ted and Allision are also having an in-person benefit March 9th, 2024 and encourage anyone who can come to the benefit rather that contributing to the GoFundMe, please do. They would much rather see their loved ones in person if able.

If you have any questions or want to donate to them, you can reach out to Ally DeJardin directly through GoFundMe.

They are also taking donations through:

PayPal: Allison DeJardin @Allylyn22

Checks can be sent directly to the bank:

Made out to: Ted DeJardin or Ted DeJardin Benefit

Community First Credit Union

C/O Ted De Jardin Benefit

1006 Royalton St

Waupaca, WI 54981

Thank you in advance for your support and for standing by Ted De Jardin and his family during this difficult time.