Hello all! Some may know me, some may not, but let me tell you how much my husband Casey is a badass. In the beginning of September, Casey had a small callous on his foot. He didn't think anything about it seeing he wears work boots and it just comes with the territory. In a matter of days it turned into something else. After going to his doctor he was referred to the wound clinic. They diagnosed him with a diabetic foot ulcer. Although he is diabetic he manages it amazing so it was disappointing that this happened. They cleaned it up and put him in a cast and a walking boot.

For the next 2 weeks he went in once a week and had his wound looked and a new cast put on. Thursday, September 16th he had a new cast on and the clinic doctor told him "It's healing beautifully!" He was so happy that he could return back to work in October because according to the wound care doctor he would only need 1 more cast and it would be healed. Then on Sunday he said he felt a bit of pressure. He just assumed his walking boot was tighter then most days and by morning he would feel better. Monday morning came and he slept most of the day, it was out of his normal sleeping pattern. When I finally went in to wake him up he was white as a ghost, drenched in sweat and I immediately took him into the ER. After only a few moments of waiting they took him back. I knew something wasn't right because there were multiple people who had been waiting before he was even registered. The ER cut off the cast and what we saw was shocking. The last 2 toes on his foot were extremely swollen and not the color they should have been. They admitted him within minutes and he was taken to his room. Throughout Monday night multiple medical staff inspected but had really no answers. Tuesday passed as more people came in and poked and prodded. Finally they took him for an MRI late afternoon. We sat and waited with so many unknowns. Finally at 7p on Tuesday night a man walked in and introduced himself as an Ortho surgeon. Confused by that title he sat and listen to this man explain that his ulcer tunneled between his toes and caused a Osteomyelitis infection to form on the tips of his metatarsal bones. Then he said something that he/we weren't prepared for at all, that the next day Casey would be having his leg amputated. I never have seen him so lost and devastated. The next 16 hours were a complete blur. How does something that was healing beautifully 5 days before turn into you are losing a limb? After a lot of tears, promises to each other and fear, he decided to take this head on. There was absolutely no time to come to terms of even imagine the future. Casey is 33 years old and lives an adventurous life. He hunts, fishes, works hard and is the absolute best step dad Damian can ask for. How does this happen to someone like him? But we learned fast that it doesn't matter who you are or what you do, the infection doesn't care. On Wednesday September 22nd, his left leg was removed from half calf. The amputation was without fault, and the remainder of the leg/bone was perfect.

The last 72 hours have gone by without a hitch. He is strong and his determination is mighty. He mastered the PT and the OT within 36 hours post op. And he has done it with a fighting spirit. One that Damian can turn to and say he is my hero. When life takes his leg, he takes life by the balls. I couldn't ask for a better man, husband or step father. He is an amazing son, brother, uncle, coworker, and friend. I have had so many people reach out offering help, asking if they can donate, help, and give hope. It's only just the start of this steep hill he has to climb but damn it, he will reach the top. Although medical bills are the last of our concerns, they are real and they aren't going away. I don't want that to even begin to weigh on him. And then come the prosthetic. He is just starting the prime of his life and we want him to have the life he deserves. Although his insurance is amazing some things just have a bit more cost to it then what they offer. By this time next year i want this all to be a fever dream and he is back to being his outdoor loving, sports obsessed, hard working, best dad he can be self. Anything helps and will not be looked past. If that be a share or a donation. We appreciate it all. Thank you for reading this and for loving him, because those who know him can't help but love him.

-Amanda