Help keep Peter Dykstra rolling

Less than two weeks after my sixtieth birthday in 2017, my legs collapsed from under me. I wound up on my kitchen floor, with no idea what the hell had happened. After what I was told was life-saving surgery, doctors gave me another bit of news: MSSA bacteria had eaten through my spinal cord and consumed all of one vertebra and part of another. I’d never walk again. The lower 50% of my body – from legs to vital organs –would never work, either.

Since then, with help, I’ve been leading my new life. I’m living in an apartment in Brookhaven, cared for by a group of health care aides, and while I’m limited in mobility, I can - and do - get out into the world some. My local Publix and I know each other very well.

All is more or less ok - there’s a debatable matter of perspective for you - but just out over the horizon things are starting to look kinda grim. I need the kind of 24-7 help that’s not covered by anyone’s commercial insurance, nor by Medicare. I’m not covered under the VA, I wasn’t hit by a drunk driver, nor was I injured under Workers’ Comp. Financially, I’m on my own for at least $336 a day, 365 days a year. The other expenses bring that total to nearly $500 a day. I’m working my way through my life savings and my kids’ inheritance until it runs out. Right now, that’s a couple years away. Once I’m destitute (the official term), Georgia Medicaid will pick up some of my costs. Maybe.

A few years ago, I made an appeal through GoFundMe, and the response warmed my heart and kept my wheels rolling for almost a full year. But I’m feeling the pressure again now, and it’s time to reach out to friends, family and more. I do not recommend life in a wheelchair, but I’m fine. It’s the money thing that scares me, and that’s where I need your help. Use the GoFundMe page (very efficient, but GoFundMe takes 2.9% plus 30 cents per donation). An alternative is Zelle, which takes no cut, and is keyed to my phone, [phone redacted]. Or come visit at 705 Town Blvd., #614, Brookhaven GA 30319 Thanks. I love ya’s all.