Update: Help Us Cover the Cost of Bringing Ron Home

Dear Friends, Ron made it safely back to West Virginia, a blessing that has allowed JoAnne to be near her family, her pets, and most importantly, with Ron every day as he continues to fight.

Since returning home, Ron has had both good days and difficult ones. His alertness has improved, and he’s had more meaningful moments of connection, though there have also been setbacks, including a transfer to a regional hospital and an additional surgery to treat his bed sore. Through it all, JoAnne remains by his side daily, advocating for his care and showing unwavering love and strength.

In addition to co-pays and added expenses due to his prolonged hospital stay, the cost of Ron’s medical transport home was $7,000, which JoAnne had to pay out of pocket on her credit card to make the transfer possible. Covering this expense would be a small but powerful blessing, giving her one less thing to carry after so many months of stress, uncertainty, and sacrifice.

If you haven’t yet donated or would like to help one last time, your gift, of any amount, will directly help cover this cost and ease JoAnne’s financial strain.

From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for standing beside this family through every step of this journey. Your kindness has truly made a difference.

“Love is what carries you through the hardest days, and because of your love, JoAnne and Ron have made it home.”

Update: We’re One Step Closer to Bringing Ron Home

We finally have some good news - a hospital bed has been secured for Ron in Summers County, West Virginia, just minutes from home. Transportation has also been arranged for tomorrow (Friday), and soon JoAnne will be able to return to her home and animals, while staying close to Ron so she can continue to oversee his care.

Unfortunately, this progress comes with new challenges. The insurance company has denied coverage for the medical transport, leaving JoAnne responsible for the full cost out of pocket. To make matters worse, the hospital in New York has said they may begin charging $4,000 per night since Ron has been medically cleared for discharge, but cannot leave until the transport company (which JoAnne had to arrange on her own) arrives late Friday night. JoAnne has filed a discharge appeal, but there are no guarantees.

The stress of managing Ron’s fragile health, being away from home for almost six weeks, and the mounting financial strain has been overwhelming for JoAnne. She has remained by Ron’s side every single day, doing everything she can to bring him closer to home and comfort.

This is where friends, family, and compassionate hearts can make a difference. Every dollar donated will go directly toward covering transportation costs, outstanding medical bills and easing the tremendous financial burden JoAnne is facing right now. Even the smallest gift helps more than you know.

Thank you all for your continued kindness, prayers, and support — they have meant the world to JoAnne and Ron.

“We’re so close to home — and with your help, we’ll get there.”

Ron Rootes has always been the kind of man who shows up for others. Originally from Green Island, New York, Ron dedicated his career to serving his community through years of hard work for the Village of Green Island before retiring to West Virginia with his beloved wife, JoAnne.

He found joy in life’s simple things - watching races at the Lebanon Valley Speedway, riding his Harley, spending time with his dogs, listening to classic rock, and enjoying the peace of the mountains he called home. Most of all, his greatest happiness came from JoAnne, the love of his life and tireless advocate, who has stood by his side every step of the way.

In late August, while visiting family in NY, Ron faced a sudden and serious health crisis that changed everything. He was airlifted to Albany Medical Center, where he remains hospitalized. While his condition has stabilized, Ron is still incredibly fragile and requires ongoing medical care, including a feeding tube and wound treatment. His strength comes and goes - some days he opens his eyes, listens to music, or responds softly to JoAnne’s voice - reminders of the man she knows and loves.

Now, after more than a month away from home, the next goal is to bring Ron back to West Virginia, where he can receive continued care closer to family, friends, and familiar surroundings. Doctors have determined that he is stable enough to travel, but due to his condition, he will require Advanced Life Support (ALS) transport - a specialized medical ambulance with trained staff and equipment to keep him safe during the long trip.

Unfortunately, this type of transport is rarely covered by insurance, and out-of-pocket costs could reach $15,000 or more.

JoAnne has been by Ron’s side every day since his hospitalization. She’s taken an unpaid leave from work to care for him and coordinate his medical needs, and while her employer has been kind and supportive, the financial strain is growing. Friends and family are organizing this fundraiser to help cover:

JoAnne’s strength and devotion to Ron have been remarkable. She simply wants him cared for closer to home, where she can return to Hinton, to her family, friends, and the pets they both love - and find comfort and stability while continuing to support him through this next stage of care.

We’re asking for help so JoAnne doesn’t have to face this alone. Every donation, no matter the size, will make a difference in bringing Ron home and easing the burden on this caring, humble couple.

Please consider donating or sharing this campaign with others. Your generosity, prayers, and kind words mean the world to their family.

With gratitude and faith,

Family and Friends of Ron & JoAnne Rootes

“Where there is love, there is hope - and we’re holding onto both.”