Ron Carmean, aka Ronny Baby, has a way of making everyone laugh. He is the best of us and adored by all with his smirking smile, quick wit, laid back attitude, and heart of gold. He loved and helped raise two young stepchildren as his own to which they are extremely close and have become the very best of friends. Ron is the first to offer help to family and friends without hesitation or complaint. He is a young man at heart, works very hard and enjoys life!

On June 17, 2021, Ron, had a successful heart valve repair, however at some point during the surgery he suffered a massive stroke and had to be put back on a ventilator. What should have been a routine procedure turned into a heartbreaking tragedy. Rob and Amanda immediately flew home to be with him and their mom. The MRI results showed severe brain damage and the neurologists told them he may or may not ever regain consciousness.

Word spread of Ron’s condition and people began praying for Ron and the family.

Linda, Robby and Amanda stayed with Ron day and night in the ICU, talking to him, not giving up hope and praying for a miracle. A few days later, he miraculously gave a “thumbs up” when asked a question and at that point they knew God was answering prayers. Now time was of the essence to get him off the vent before he had to have a tracheotomy. Again, at the eleventh hour, another miracle…he successfully got off the vent avoiding a trach.

It was then they realized Ron could talk and he hadn’t lost his unique sense of humor, accurately assessing the situation by saying, “This is bullsh*t”. His speech and memory had not been affected by the stroke, however, his ability to move his arms and legs on command was another story. But no one was giving up...Linda and the kids were relentless and worked with him every day until he progressed enough to be meet the requirements to be admitted to an inpatient intensive rehab facility. Linda has made the hour and a half drive every morning since the day of his surgery and without her determination and encouragement, it is unlikely he would have progressed as far as he has. Robby and Amanda both live out of state and it is very difficult for them to be so far away, but have return whenever possible to support Linda and encourage Ron to keep up the hard work.

Physical therapy is difficult but with each day he makes some amount of progress. Now, his insurance wants to cut off funding after only 4 weeks of intensive inpatient therapy as "they" don't think he will improve due to the MRI results, despite his already remarkable progress. He's now able to move his right side and feed himself, and most recently he started moving his left foot and leg. His therapists are amazed at how far he has come in such a short time especially with the amount of brain damage he has sustained. It is so important that he remain in an inpatient facility to continue with the intensive therapy because at this point in time he isn’t at a place where he can come home, and that is our goal.

Linda retired early from her job to be with Ron every day to assist in his recovery. As most people know, when you are in a medical facility, the staff can only do so much and it is the family that has to pick up the slack and Linda has been there every day to make sure he is getting the best care possible.

This amazing family needs your help with the cost of continuing care for Ron and any modifications to their home that may be needed when he returns home. With the deepest gratitude we ask that you donate what you can so Ron can remain in a facility that will give him the best therapies available.

We ask that you hold this family in love and blessing. We have already seen what God has done and we hope you will join us in praying that Ron has a complete recovery and can return to his normal daily life.

Linda and Ron just a few days before surgery celebrating Linda's birthday

Ron, Amanda and Robby