Help Chris Overcome Stroke Challenges

My Dad, Chris Schlegel, suffered a series of massive strokes mid-January of this year. After one week in the hospital and then several weeks in an acute rehab facility, he moved in with our family in February. My sister and I have detailed his stroke recovery on his Caring Bridge site: Chris' Stroke Recovery.

Anytime someone is navigating life post stroke, there are a lot of questions and not a lot of answers. We were really hoping that my Dad would regain more independence as he moved through therapy. However, there are a few major barriers. First, he is in constant high level pain due to a completely worn our shoulder joint. Secondly, his memory issues prohibit him from learning the adaptive tools that his therapists would like to teach him in therapy. Lastly, his new blindness from the stroke is not only limiting in a physical sense but incredibly frustrating to him. Sadly, thus far, his recovery has held more lows than highs.

It may seem odd that we are just now reaching out to his friends and family for help. But, we are in the midst of some MAJOR transition and need all the assistance we can get! Our family has purchased a home specifically due to its ability to provide my Dad a separate living space attached to the home. For the last 4 months, he has been staying in a hospital bed in my basement in what used to be my kids' playroom. His new apartment requires adaptive equipment, furniture and the most costly expense is adding a shower so he can live on one level.

The other reason we are raising money for my Dad is due to increased medical bills as he is scheduled to undergo a Left Shoulder Replacement on his 70th birthday, June 26.

I know that my Dad has a lot of friends who care for him and have consistently been checking in! As soon as he is not in so much pain, I know that it will be easier for him to visit with friends. Heck, we may even throw a 70th Birthday Bash for him!

Thank you in advance for considering helping him! Yes, I know he would hate that I'm asking, but I want to provide the best care for him.