Help Erik Rogers Recover From His Stroke

Hello, my name is Julia Rogers and I am the daughter of my brave, incredible dad, Erik Rogers. On Tuesday, January 14th, my dad suffered a Hemorrhagic Stroke. Home alone that morning, he was quickly losing his ability to communicate and function. His right side disappearing. Yet somehow was able to phone 911 and tell them the garage code to enter the house and was soon rushed to the hospital with my mom close behind.

I was away at college when the stroke occurred and did not receive the news until 7 hours later. While walking down the hall to my dorm, my mom called and explained to me what was happening. My heart sunk to the floor. It was the last thing I expected to hear. It’s something that I never want to hear again. I got flashbacks to when I was 10 years old, with my dad in the battle for his life against bladder cancer. Remembering the times when I would be swooped away to a relatives house in the middle of the night because my dad was going to the hospital, or the constant fear of going to sleep thinking that he wouldn't wake up the next day. I thought I would never have to go through that again. Even while still dealing with long term, chronic issues, he has thankfully been in remission for some time, and I thought he was generally healthy.

I didn’t sleep that night. How are you supposed to sleep when one of the people you love the most is hurting and you can’t be there to help them? When I got out of bed the next morning, I was able to call my dad for the first time. That phone call is something that I will never forget. While he was attempting to talk, through sobs and speech difficulty, I fell back into my 10 year old shoes. A helpless and scared little girl, who just wanted my dad to be okay. I didn’t know how to help, but I wanted to find a way. I have decided that it is my time to step up.

I created this GoFundMe to help my dad receive the care he needs for his recovery, and reduce some heavy financial hardship on my family resulting from medical expenses and so many other unknowns near and long term. He needs to re-learn how to walk, communicate, and do simple, everyday tasks through months of rehab and physical therapy.

This is not my dad’s first rodeo. He is a survivor. I first ask for moral support and prayers from anyone who may come across this letter. Any financial support is a sincerely appreciated gift that I can only be grateful. Thank you all for the ongoing support. I will be sure to post updates on my dad’s progress. ♡

Sincerely,

Julia Rogers