My name is Sharifa Hodge, and my husband is Nilous Hodge,  but most know us as Shay and Gene or Coach Hodge!  Over the last 8 weeks my heart has truly been on an emotional roller coaster. For those not aware, he listened to his body when he realized the upper back and chest pain he was feeling wasn’t normal and drove himself ER when he was out of town. He was immediately sent to another hospital and placed in ICU on Aug 6 and was there for the next 8 days. He was diagnosed with aortic dissection which is life threatening to say the least. At the time it was determined that no surgery would be needed but that is now not the case due to the size and length of his tear. His vascular surgeon will be performing a Thoracic Endovascular Aneurysm Repair. Very serious. This particular surgery is needed because his aortic tear starts in his chest and goes down and splits between his two legs. He will also have bypass during this time. To say my nerves and anxiety have been on 10,000 during this time is an understatement but the God I serve have turned my FEAR into FAITH.  So I’m sure you can only imagine the conversations and the seriousness of those being had. 

For those of you who know him, know he will give his last of anything to those he love and those he don’t even know. He impacts his community as a Father Figure, Big Brother, Coach, Mentor, Friend and so much more. He always sees the glass as full no matter the situation. For him, there is always lesson in everything. One thing that has been consistent through all of this has been his positive spirit and infectious energy. Those who know him knows that he has a heart and passion for teaching and helping others. His question to those he knows has been, “Have you gotten your blood pressure checked?” as this can stem from undiagnosed hypertension. There is a message and a blessing in everything. He has lived by this and even through this he is embodying that. 

I have admired his strength and sit in awe of how he still tries to take care of everyone and everything. Well he’s getting to be a catalyst for others through this. The surgeon says because this doesn’t happen often and his diagnosis is pretty rare and on the higher end of the spectrum, he asked us for permission to live stream his surgery to over 5,000 surgeons across the world so that they can learn how to perform this particular surgery. How amazing is that? He is not only helping them but also helping future patients that may be diagnosed with a similar issue.  Physicians will learn and patients will live!

He has not worked since Aug 5th and will not work for at least the rest of the year post surgery as we work to restore him back to full health. God is a healer and I know he will provide and sustain us for as long as he sees fit. If you are so moved, we humbly welcome any donation to help ensure that our medical bills are covered, as well as basic everyday needs are met. The surgery itself well cost over $60,000 which doesn’t include hospital expenses and other costs. With two sons in college, a high school Senior and a HS Sophomore, expenses add up.

Please send up a special prayer as we prepare our hearts and minds for surgery this week and thereafter! WE LOVE YOU, OUR VILLAGE! ❤️❤️