HELP DEAN GERRIE- POST STROKE & HEART SURGERY
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"TO BE AN ARTIST, IS TO BELIEVE IN LIFE." -HENRY MOORE
My dad, Dean Gerrie, is the true expression of what it means to live life as an artist. But as of late, life has thrown a wrench in his creative journey. On Sunday November 1, 2020 he suffered a stroke. Without insurance he delayed going to the emergency room in fear of the eventual hospital costs. A fear that many others can relate to in our country's current state. After being admitted to Providence Little Company of Mary Medical Center in Torrance, health issues that my dad had dismissed over the years now became glaringly obvious. Extreme shortness of breath and exhaustion were red flags and doctors administered a stress test & chest exam. My dad was then diagnosed with advanced Heart Disease. Open heart surgery was the first choice, but because of his compromised state and vulnerability from the the stroke, doctors have opted for Plan B. This morning, Tuesday November 17th, my dad will undergo Angioplasty & Stent surgery. On top of all of this due to COVID restrictions he is going through this alone. It has been utterly heartbreaking to be deprived of the person to person access that is so necessary for not only the body to heal, but also the heart & soul. As a daughter, all I want is to be able to hold his hand, give him a hug, and tell him that I love him face to face.
Assuming all goes well with surgery he still has a long road of recovery ahead of him. Due to the fact that my dad does not have insurance we will have to pay out of pocket for all hospital and rehabilitation expenses. Though we are seeking financial assistance from the hospital, the eventual costs will be astronomical. The first few months post stroke and heart surgery are the most crucial for recovery. After being released from the hospital our hopes are that he is admitted to Rancho Los Amigos National Rehabilitation Center so that he can receive 24/7 care. He will also need hours of physical therapy and will have to remain on medication for the unforeseeable future.
With the help of our friends, family, and shared artist communities I hope to raise enough funds to not only pay for hospital & medical bills, but also to support my dad in the coming months while he is unable to work and in recovery. He will need to focus all his energy on healing and I want his only concern to be on getting better. The eventual goal being that my dad returns to his life as an artist!
As a sign of gratitude I will be holding a lottery; each week I will randomly select from the donor list and the individuals chosen will receive a piece of artwork by DEAN GERRIE. I have included images of my dad's artist studio, loft space, and his art to give a glimpse into the beautiful world he has created. From the bottom of my heart I thank you. My dad is my EVERYTHING and we need your help!
My dad, Dean Gerrie, is the true expression of what it means to live life as an artist. But as of late, life has thrown a wrench in his creative journey. On Sunday November 1, 2020 he suffered a stroke. Without insurance he delayed going to the emergency room in fear of the eventual hospital costs. A fear that many others can relate to in our country's current state. After being admitted to Providence Little Company of Mary Medical Center in Torrance, health issues that my dad had dismissed over the years now became glaringly obvious. Extreme shortness of breath and exhaustion were red flags and doctors administered a stress test & chest exam. My dad was then diagnosed with advanced Heart Disease. Open heart surgery was the first choice, but because of his compromised state and vulnerability from the the stroke, doctors have opted for Plan B. This morning, Tuesday November 17th, my dad will undergo Angioplasty & Stent surgery. On top of all of this due to COVID restrictions he is going through this alone. It has been utterly heartbreaking to be deprived of the person to person access that is so necessary for not only the body to heal, but also the heart & soul. As a daughter, all I want is to be able to hold his hand, give him a hug, and tell him that I love him face to face.
Assuming all goes well with surgery he still has a long road of recovery ahead of him. Due to the fact that my dad does not have insurance we will have to pay out of pocket for all hospital and rehabilitation expenses. Though we are seeking financial assistance from the hospital, the eventual costs will be astronomical. The first few months post stroke and heart surgery are the most crucial for recovery. After being released from the hospital our hopes are that he is admitted to Rancho Los Amigos National Rehabilitation Center so that he can receive 24/7 care. He will also need hours of physical therapy and will have to remain on medication for the unforeseeable future.
With the help of our friends, family, and shared artist communities I hope to raise enough funds to not only pay for hospital & medical bills, but also to support my dad in the coming months while he is unable to work and in recovery. He will need to focus all his energy on healing and I want his only concern to be on getting better. The eventual goal being that my dad returns to his life as an artist!
As a sign of gratitude I will be holding a lottery; each week I will randomly select from the donor list and the individuals chosen will receive a piece of artwork by DEAN GERRIE. I have included images of my dad's artist studio, loft space, and his art to give a glimpse into the beautiful world he has created. From the bottom of my heart I thank you. My dad is my EVERYTHING and we need your help!
Organizer
Lauren Alexis Gerrie
Organizer
New York, NY
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