Help Erik Heal

This GoFundMe account is being set up to assist Jenn & Erik with travel expenses, daily living expenses and medical expenses, current and future. Any amount and sharing of this page helps!

Jenn and Erik met over 30 years ago and have been inseparable ever since. Their love continues to stand the test of time. After 29 years of marriage, they are still each other’s best friends.

On October 28, 2022, Erik was admitted to Providence St. Peter Hospital in Olympia for emergency surgery for a dissected artery. He had bleeding into his lower abdomen, heart cavity and legs and Jenn and their daughter were told by the staff to say their goodbyes. They would not know if they would see Erik again. While the surgery was ultimately deemed successful, Erik did code during surgery causing a stroke. A CT scan showed damage in two spots however, the extent of the damage was yet to be determined.

Erik spent the next several days in critical condition in the ICU under the careful watch of hospital staff monitoring the surgery's success and providing the therapies needed to get him strong enough to be removed from the many machines assisting him and out of the ICU. Jenn spent countless hours awaiting phone updates and providing their loved ones with updates on Erik’s progress. She also spent as much time at the hospital as they would allow her to.

While he battled pain, fevers and blood pressure issues, Erik’s strong (and stubborn) nature served him well during his healing and he continually amazed his medical team with his progress. He continued to make great progress over the next several weeks, even giving the nursing staff a great glimpse into his playful personality!

On November 9, 2022, Erik started occupational, physical and speech therapies. These all caused him to have less energy when Jenn was there. She would still sit by his side. Then some news came, Erik may be moved out of the ICU! The surgeon initially chose to keep him in ICU until he could be admitted to an inpatient rehabilitation facility to which Jenn immediately started working with the hospital and asking for recommendations for a facility from friends and family. On November 16, 2022, Erik was moved out of ICU to the main hospital.

After almost a month, Erik finally got to see his daughter again on November 21, 2022. Jenn spent time with him on Thanksgiving while he ate and watched football. Now we were just waiting for insurance to authorize the facility transfer. After several days of waiting, Erik was finally moved to Manor Care on December 3, 2022, after 36 days at the hospital. There was still a long way to go but this was progress to rejoice and Erik was finally able to see his grandchildren the very next day.

Jenn worked with the facility and caseworkers to get an assessment done on the house to see what would need to be done in preparation for Erik’s return home. The tentative plans included expanding the bathroom for a walk-in tub, widening doorways, porch renovation and more.

December 15, 2022, Jenn shared a video with loved ones of Erik taking steps during physical therapy! Followed by pictures of Erik with their pups outside of the facility. There was so much to celebrate!

On December 18, 2022, Erik was back at Providence St. Peter Hospital for seizure-like activity which indicated he may have had a blood clot in his brain. He was transferred to Harborview for emergency surgery. The surgery was successful, however, the medical team observed that a small part of the artery dissection repair did not heal. Now we just need to get him strong enough for another surgery to address the section that didn’t heal so he doesn’t continue to experience this.

With Harborview being in Seattle, it is not logistically possible for Jenn to be with Erik daily as she wants. She was able to get up and see him, however, she is currently waiting to get lodging for a few days.

Erik is continuing to improve daily and is undergoing testing and medication regimens to prepare him for the next surgery, potentially in mid-January.

The outcome of Erik’s journey is not written yet and will continue to evolve over the next several months to years. Updates will be provided on this page and hope that you can share the word about Erik and his incredible strength, Jenn and her resilience to be by her husband’s side supporting him, and their beautiful love that has no end.

Thank you for your unwavering support. Any donation is appreciated. Please share this so we can all help this wonderful family.