Help Joe Meyer Heal and Adapt After Spinal Injury.

This is my father, Joe Meyer. My father, at 72 years of age, was driving home from his night shift warehouse job on Sept. 26 when he had a stroke behind the wheel. With the stroke, he lost consciousness. He then left the highway, going airborne, landing, and rolling the car down an embankment. The extraction took approximately an hour, then he was life-flighted to Research Medical Center for extreme trauma.

He has been in the hospital for almost 3 weeks and will have/has had multiple surgeries. He has suffered a spinal injury that is causing weakness in his arms and legs, as well as limited movement in both. Hopefully, with healing and physical therapy, he will get the movement back but that is far from guaranteed at this time.

Joe, my dad, has been the ultimate family man and an example of sacrificing for others. While my brother, Sam, and I were growing up, our Dad worked multiple jobs. He would be up well before dawn to deliver the New York Times paper before going to work at his day job. He would then also pick up weekend shifts at a warehouse, all to make sure his family was provided for. He never complained, he just did.

Then, when I was in my third year of college I had a horrific car accident that snapped my leg like a dry stick. It was in question if I would ever walk again. My Dad took time off, took care of me in my most humbling moments, and did everything possible to make sure I had the best chance to heal. Heal I did, even completing half marathons later. Without my Dad, it is fair to say I likely would have never walked again.

Now I have watched as he still works a full-time job at 72, while also being a caregiver to my Mom who requires assistance with daily tasks because of her own health issues.

I am asking for help for my Dad with the mounting medical bills that are sure to come in but also future needs we know will be coming with adaptable housing, vehicle, and future medical care.

Real heroes don't wear capes, and my Dad has been a hero to me and my brother for years. Every hero needs a helping hand at some time. Now is the time Dad needs that help.