Help Blake Recover from Stroke and Hardship

Before I start my spiel, Blake is- I believe embarrassed or not comprehending his need for this fundraiser. When I discussed it with him his response was - "yes you can do that when I die."

Blake and I went to Miss Kathy's preschool in Mountaindale NY together when we were 4 years old. I haven't seen Blake since I was about 10 years old. When I moved to Florida in my 30's, he was about an hour distance from us. I Iearned that he had had become a successful Pharmacist with his Doctorate degree in Tampa Florida and moved to be close to his mother Ronnie.

Ronnie Mirsky recently passed away and I had heard though my brother that Blake had suffered a stroke a few weeks after his mother's passing. I reached out to whatever family members I could and was able to find what hospital he was in. His memory/history is vague at best, aside from aphasia ( difficulty putting words from thoughts together) , speaking, left sided weakness, he lives alone with no support/ friends/ significant other. I travel to go check on him and he frequently repeats I'm ok- I'll be OK. He's NOT OK. As a Nurse I'm trying my best to help being an hour away. When visiting him this evening- I insisted atleaest trying to get some meds at urgent care as his blood pressure was not kosher..... well they took one look at him and sent us to the ER, Ive brought him closer to my local hospital so that it is easier to check on him. Blake is either being very cautious with his funds or has none, I dont know. If I find some- believe me ill let you know) Although I am running on empty, I have incurred the gas/ food/dog and maintenance of the house on visits.

When trying to assist or ask questions with obvious problems on the horizon like electric bills or mortgage payments- He gives completely opposite responses, that usually dont make much sense. Regrettably he left Brandon hospital during his first stroke, confused without followup appointments or medication. He's still confused at times, very weak and without sharing his private medical issues is VERY VERY SICK. He has no health insurance. He does not qualify for Medicaid with no dependent children. With only myself (who has recently lost my family's business of 12 years) and are going through some hard times ourselves to care for him. My next assumption would be disability as the next avenue to pursue- (Estimating minimum 4 months with an attorney best case scenerio) and myself a mother of 6 attempting to navigate it all by myself. I've been accused of having savior syndrome many times in my life and honestly struggling to provide for my own family. I just really can't knowingly watch someone die.

I reached out to some long ago Fallsburg alumni explaning the situation hoping for some resources and was met with no returned phone calls. I know Blake was YOUR FRIEND in high-school, and I know many of you have stayed in New York and it's hard to help 1200 miles away. He has NO ONE. I have personally reached out to family members that have not responded. I don't know the story, don't know if there was a falling out or what the deal is. Blake does not remember. To watch a grown successful man loose ( or about to loose) everything.... further more potentially his life. He is very depressed as he has realized that no one seems to care. Consider helping your old friend that I'm sure if and when he is back on his feet will repay your kindness and be grateful that SOMEONE did SOMETHING. What has this world come too?

Update- without releasing his personal medical information. Blake is very unstable, he was transferred to ICU, and further helicoptered to a specialized hospital to attempt life saving procedures. Please do not blow up his phone- he is weak, ofcourse positive supportive messages are encouraged.

Sincerely Annmarie Mills (Rosen)