I’m writing this today to ask for help. The last few months have been extremely hard and pretty overwhelming. The fact that Albert/Bert has made it this far is truly a miracle. On February 8th we had no idea when he went to the ER he would have surgery, let alone everything that happened after. Happening right after my dad passed made this last few months a blur and a nightmare at the same time. We knew when Albert was rolled into surgery he would be placed on a ventilator as a precaution. He would be kept sedated to keep the incision open so they could go back in after they had cleaned out the infection and allow swelling to go down. We never imagined everything else that would come along with it. We are grateful that he doesn’t need long term dialysis, that he recovered from the cardiac and respiratory failure and having to be placed on the ventilator again. We knew the GI bleeding was dangerous and thankfully after an additional month in the hospital and numerous procedures and tests that also subsided and he no longer needed transfusions or iron infusions. He still has some breathing issues as the ventilators irritated his lungs and exacerbated his COPD, which we didn’t know he had. Three months in the hospital and rehab has taken a toll. Albert suffered three strokes during the initial surgery. 2 on the left and one on the right. His left arm does not move even though his hand does. His right leg has very little feeling and he now suffers from drop foot and some cognitive issues. Being an amputee his right leg and his arms were his mobility. On May 7 we met with neurology. We barely got him in the car but after about 45 minutes we did with much pulling and pushing. The doctor was gracious and held his appointment ( against their policy). When we returned to the car, with many attempts and almost dropping him and needing the assistance of a passerby, we were able to get him in the seat. (Kammi and I hurt all over.) He had another appointment for followup with his prosthetic. To get more stability he needed adjustments as it had gotten too loose from weight loss. The young man at that clinic had to come and help us as we almost dropped him again. Once inside he had no strength to sit on his wheelchair and slid to the floor. We needed an assist lift from local fire department for that and into the car. Our world has been turned upside down. I’ve spent money I didn’t really have buying equipment that insurance wouldn’t cover and supplies we need. We have come to the realization we need a wheelchair van. We have the opportunity to purchase one that fits our needs, we know the owners so we know it is in good condition. We could never afford this vehicle on his disability so the mere fact we have this chance is huge. The asking price is $5000. I am asking for help to raise $6000 to cover that and possibly new tires and a battery. This will literally change our lives. I’ve had to cancel all of his appointments and therapies until we can get transportation. His insurance will not cover it and we have reached out everywhere we could think of just to be told we don’t qualify. We will be selling some of our things to help with cost, but I need to get this amount as soon as possible. At this point I am unable to work as he cannot be alone. With insurance not wanting to cover any in home help, I am limited on what I am able to do right now as far as work. If there is something you know I can do for you just ask…I don’t expect anything for free. If you aren’t able to help, please share. I appreciate so much what everyone has done up and to this point and I never ask for help, but this is for him. Thank you so much and God bless. —Sam