Help Jerry Smith Overcome Medical Challenges

My name is Tiana Smith. I created this GoFundMe account asking for y'all's help to support my dad, Jerry Smith.

On 4/14/2025, a day before my dad and mom's 2nd year anniversary, our lives changed forever. If anyone knows my dad, he was a workaholic; he never missed a day. My dad is a loving and caring man who would give you the shirt off his back. On 4/14/2025, my family’s life changed in the blink of an eye. My dad had a seizure at Prevost that lasted 8 minutes and was without oxygen. Doctors say that long without oxygen can damage his brain. We prayed and prayed that he would be okay. My mom was crushed and numb. My dad was admitted into Baton General, where he was sedated because he had become combative from the meds. My dad didn't know anything that was going on. This hurt us so bad to see him like this, not being able to help. Jerry stayed sedated for about 30 days.

Every day, all day, we prayed and asked God for a miracle. It got harder every day walking that long hall, praying that when we got in his room, we'd at least see his eye move or a toe wiggle. Clearly, his body was lifeless. The doctors were trying all kinds of stuff, but my dad would not wake up. Here we are going into the 2nd month, same condition. But this time, he couldn't clear his own airway, so now they intubated him. We kept praying and asking God to make him strong, to wake him up. Nothing was helping; my daddy was gone, just laying helpless. Finally, the doctor comes in and says my mom has a choice to make: take him off the vent or put a permanent trach in. He would be like a vegetable and would have to be put in a nursing home. My mommy literally hit the floor. She said that was the hardest decision she had to make. Her decision was to pull the plug because she knew my daddy wouldn't have wanted to live with a permanent trach, living like a veggie. We made the choice to pull the plug. We still prayed and had faith. The doctor comes in and tells us they are about to pull the ventilator. We all went in to say our goodbyes. The doctors then rolled him to the 6th floor to transition. Mrs. Smith, he won't live 5 hours. I started praying, even fasting. The 5-hour mark came, and he was still fighting. Nighttime came, and my boy was still fighting. The next day, I went to bed to talk to him. He blinked his eyes. I asked him to do it again, and he did it again. His eyes slowly started opening. The doctor came in and started putting all kinds of tubes in. Then the doctor says they can fit like a week or 2 after being taken off. My mom was like, God has the final say.

We applied for Medicaid at this time. We applied for disability. Friday evening, both letters were in the mail with denials. My dad and my mom both have not been working since 4/14. I don't have a clue how my mommy is maintaining. Every day, things started getting better. Finally, they discharged us to rehab. My dad did amazing in rehab. Still not where he needs to be, but with God within him, he'll get there. I'm asking everyone to please share, share, share, share.... No amount is too small or big. Even if you want to give but can't, I totally understand. Just whisper a prayer for us. Asking all my FB friends to contribute to the cost of Jerry's medical bills. Mom and dad both haven't worked in 3 months. My mom has been by my dad's side since day one. Thanking you guys in advance for the help. Very chill person, don't bother a soul, work, work, work, work.