Help the McLendons Recover and Rebuild

My name is Helen McLendon. I'm semi-retired, though have been unable to work due to my husband's medical condition. Don is a proud Army veteran who has served in Southeast Asia, Vietnam, Kuwait and more, 14 different conflicts total, almost 16 years of service. Don began having physical problems 2 years ago, being diagnosed with Crohn's Disease. June, 2023, he was hospitalized due to extreme stomach pain, the inability to eat solids and swelling in both legs. It was found he had an intestinal blockage, narrowing of the small intestines and cellulitis. He began intestinal infusions at the VA, which did not seem to help the Crohn's. The infusions continued until June, 2024, when he began having blackouts, causing emergency trips to the hospital with damage to his face and teeth. He could no longer safely be left alone at home, so I had to quit my job to stay with him. At this time he was diagnosed with Syncope, Neurogenic Orthostatic Hypertension, Coronary Heart Disease, Inflammatory Bowel Disease (Crohn's) and High Cholesterol. He began experiencing Focal Seizures upon sitting or standing. His weight went from 180# to 112# with loss of muscle mass. During an especially severe seizure, he was sent to the emergency room in Winston-Salem. From there he went to a low blood pressure specialist in Cary, over 2 hours from home. Dr. Mobarek admitted him to UNC REX for a full workup. The colorectal specialist was called in and it was advised he have immediate surgery due to intestinal blockage, swelling and fistula formation. Partial removal of the colon was performed with hopes of re-attachment when he has recovered completely. He was then discharged to a rehab facility near home, but developed a bacterial infection and sepsis and was rushed back to UNC REX for emergency treatment. Where he remained for two weeks before being once again discharged to a new rehab facility and is given Physical and Occupational Therapy daily. He must regain weight and muscle strength before returning home. All of this entailed much expense with my travel and food as well. Beyond all the expenses for medical, termites were found in my house and had to be treated and our heat pump went out in July. All of this together caused both our credit cards to be maxed and our savings to dwindle with no avenue for reimbursement. Friends and family have prayed and helped us in many ways and continue to ask how they can help. Several friends suggested that a GoFundMe page would be a way all could help as they feel appropriate.