Help Christophre Woods back onto his feet!
Donation protected
In early July, our dear friend Thomas (Christophre) Woods suffered a very serious cardiac event. He was rushed from Rutland Vermont to UVM in Burlington for an 8+ hour surgery, during which his blood pressure dropped dangerously low and his brain was deprived of oxygen. Fortunately, he survived the surgery and remained in the surgical intensive care unit for many weeks. During that time, he was kept alive on a respirator and had continuous dialysis. He was mostly non-responsive, barely opened his eyes, and the neurology team could not predict how much he would be able to recover, if at all. It was a terribly frightening time for his friends, family, and colleagues.
However, things began to improve at the end of September! Christophre began making meaningful eye contact and could respond to commands. Once his trach tube was removed, he could also begin to whisper small words. Little by little, his motor control and ability to communicate improved...and today, he is able to speak clearly for hours at a time! His memory and sense of humor are still very much intact. He’s doing very well in physical and occupational therapy as well. The transformation over just a few weeks has been tremendous.
Prior to July, Christophre was working as the Executive Director of Vermont Psychiatric Survivors and supporting his elderly mother. He was getting himself established as an advocate for mental health in Vermont, frequently travelling to Montpelier, the state capital, to testify before the legislature. Now, we are looking to get him back to Kentucky to begin the long road of rehab. Given the distance and that Christophre has not been able to work since June, money is needed to assist in his transition back. Everything has been arranged (housing, utilities, moving van) to get rolling back to Kentucky, all we need is the financial support to make this a reality to help our dear Christophre back onto his feet.
We know that times are tough for the majority of us right now, so anything you can give will be received with immense gratitude. Let’s all give back to a man who has given so much of himself to us.
However, things began to improve at the end of September! Christophre began making meaningful eye contact and could respond to commands. Once his trach tube was removed, he could also begin to whisper small words. Little by little, his motor control and ability to communicate improved...and today, he is able to speak clearly for hours at a time! His memory and sense of humor are still very much intact. He’s doing very well in physical and occupational therapy as well. The transformation over just a few weeks has been tremendous.
Prior to July, Christophre was working as the Executive Director of Vermont Psychiatric Survivors and supporting his elderly mother. He was getting himself established as an advocate for mental health in Vermont, frequently travelling to Montpelier, the state capital, to testify before the legislature. Now, we are looking to get him back to Kentucky to begin the long road of rehab. Given the distance and that Christophre has not been able to work since June, money is needed to assist in his transition back. Everything has been arranged (housing, utilities, moving van) to get rolling back to Kentucky, all we need is the financial support to make this a reality to help our dear Christophre back onto his feet.
We know that times are tough for the majority of us right now, so anything you can give will be received with immense gratitude. Let’s all give back to a man who has given so much of himself to us.
Organizer
Ian Hefele
Organizer
Vernon, VT