On Sunday, February 8th, our dad was admitted to the hospital for what we thought was a simple wound on his right heel. Unfortunately, it turned out to be much more serious. The wound was actually a couple diabetic ulcers that had progressed all the way to his Achilles tendon, which was visible to the naked eye.

Because of very poor circulation in his right leg, he underwent surgery to open blocked arteries in an attempt to improve blood flow. The procedure went smoothly however the doctors were able to open only one artery using a balloon. Even after surgery, his circulation remains very limited.

He then underwent a second surgery to clean out the wound. Doctors applied a fish skin graft along with a wound vac in an effort to save his leg. Sadly, the graft did not take, and the wound vac had to be discontinued. He needs around-the-clock nursing care for aggressive wound care/dressing changes, in hopes that the ulcers will heal and his leg can be saved.

Complicating things further, due to drastic weight loss from a previous hospital stay this past summer for severe heart blockage, his prosthetic leg no longer fits properly. As a result, he developed two additional pressure wounds on his stump — one at the incision site and another where the prosthetic sits. He cannot wear his prosthesis until those wounds heal, and he will need to be fitted for a new prosthetic leg.

In the past six months alone, our dad has endured many lengthy hospital stays and is still currently in a hospital swing bed as he requires more critical care than a rehabilitation center can provide. These medical complications and multiple hospital stays has taken a huge financial toll on him.

We are praying every single day that these ulcers heal, his medical prognosis starts to improve, and that doctors are ultimately able to save his leg and get him back home to be with his grandkids!

Although he does currently have medical insurance, it is covering very little (and we do not know how long he will have coverage). He unfortunately does not have any disability insurance coverage. Due to his complex medical needs, he had to transfer hospitals for a period of stabilization, while his plastic surgeon, orthopedic team, and cardiovascular specialists remain in St. Cloud. This means he must travel by medical transport van to attend his appointments — a two-hour trip each way. Insurance does not cover this transportation and the out of pocket cost was $390 per trip.

Any funds raised will go directly toward his rapidly increasing medical bills, everyday living expenses while he is unable to work, transportation costs to medical appointments, and the new prosthetic leg he will need.

Kenny and I thank you from the bottom of our hearts for any donation and for sharing this fundraiser. Our dad is incredibly prideful and would never ask for help himself — but right now, he needs it more than ever. We are so grateful for your love, support, and prayers during this difficult time.