On November 5, 2024, my “Miracle Man,” Jim, suffered a sudden brain bleed and hemorrhagic stroke caused by an AVM rupture in his brain. He also experienced an ischemic stroke on his brain stem. He arrived at OHSU hospital 8 hours later, on life support and in a coma.

Our “angel” neighbors, Dave & Kathy, from Brookings, Oregon drove me for over six hours that night to get to OHSU in Portland where Jim had been life-flighted.

The ER visit and transport took over eight hours, involving three ground transports and one flight. This delay contributed to additional brain damage.

When I arrived at the hospital, I was in shock and disbelief about what had happened to Jim. One of the first things the doctors asked me was, “What would Jim’s wishes be?” I looked them in the eyes and said, “To be here with me tomorrow, five years from now, and ten years from now.” What else was I supposed to say? The team of doctors informed me that Jim’s condition was dire and explained what his future might look like.

Once we knew Jim had brain waves and had fought hard for over eight hours to stay alive, we were determined to keep fighting for him. Jim underwent four procedures under anesthesia within two weeks, all without complications. During an early team meeting with his doctors, I asked them all this question, "Have any of you ever, ever, ever had a patient in Jim’s condition prove you wrong?” Two neurologists said “Yes.” That was enough for me to say, “As long as Jim is fighting to be here, so am I.” The first 3 weeks in the neurological ICU were touch and go. We weren’t sure he was going to make it, but he did.

He was moved out of the Neurological ICU and spent the next two weeks on the Neurological Science Floor.

Jim continued to have “miracle moments,” daily, which we celebrated and continue to celebrate.

Jim has already, “proved them wrong.”

It was so wonderful when one of the neurologists told me that “He was hopeful, and we made him a believer.”

When Jim needed to be transferred to a lower level of care, we had to make a decision as to where he should go. He needed to be in long-term acute care (LTAC) facility to be weaned off the trachea and start physical therapy. Initially, we thought Vibra Hospital in Portland was our only option, but I decided to check Boise and found a Vibra hospital there. This was an answer to our prayers.

Moving Jim to Boise meant he would be surrounded by family and friends, providing tremendous love and support. Despite pressure to keep him in Portland, I knew what was best for both of us and stood firm in my decision.

I was so blessed to have family and friends come to OHSU to give me the love and support that I needed.

Although our insurance authorized Jim’s transfer to the Boise Vibra Hospital, they did not cover the transportation costs.

The life flight alone cost $24,500. We also face substantial out-of-pocket expenses from insurance, along with costs for a month in a hotel, Ubers, and an Airbnb. We will have many unknown expenses down the road.

Jim is expected to be transfered from Vibra Hospital to a skilled nursing facility for rehabilitation, hopefully in the next few weeks. This will be a long and expensive journey, but it will be worth it.

Jim recognizes his family and friends from pictures and phone calls, which is a blessing. He is physically able to do more and more each day, and the doctors and nursing staff are hopeful for his full recovery.

With our fixed income, all of what lies ahead of us financially will be extremely difficult to manage. That is why I decided to start this “Go Fund Me.”

Many have asked how they can help- besides cards, texts, and calls, contributing here is a way to support us.

Please do not feel obligated to contribute; your prayers, love, and support have already proven to be invaluable.

Thank you for your continued prayers for Jim’s recovery.

When people say, “You’re not promised tomorrow.” It should be said “you aren’t promised your next minute.”

ALWAYS remember to say “I love you,” to your loved ones &

ALWAYS give each other "60" second hugs ❤️

God bless and protect all of you.

Love,

Carolyn