Help Kermit Stick recover from a serious illness

KERMIT STICK, father of two, husband, extraordinary caregiver (as both an osteopath and acupuncturist at Three Treasures health clinic,) and dear friend to many, was hospitalized in early December. He had contracted a serious sepsis infection with a very dire prognosis. Several times, Kermit was at death’s door and although he is much improved, he is still very early in a long path to recovery. Kermit and his family need your help and support through the next phase of his recovery.

The team at the Queen Elizabeth II Hospital in Halifax is continuing to provide skillful medical care and Kermit is showing valiant signs of progress. For instance, it had seemed likely that Kermit would remain on dialysis for the rest of his life, but his kidneys have healed and are now working without support. He still faces significant plastic surgery as a result of the devastating effect of the infection on his body. All of us look forward to seeing him safely and comfortably back at home, with his wife Gina and children Max and Diana.

As though the challenges of this illness were not enough, Kermit recently missed the opportunity to say goodbye to a beloved companion, his beloved dog, Bear. Many may recall seeing Bear, a 130 lb. Shiloh Shepherd, walking with Kermit daily throughout Halifax. Truly, Kermit and Bear were soulmates. Sadly, their 10-year bond ended in week six of Kermit’s hospitalization, when Bear passed away from heart complications.

If you know Kermit, you know he’s not the type to ask for help. Over the past two years Kermit’s ability to work was reduced due to COVID restrictions at the clinic. The resulting cashflow crunch for the Sticks has delayed their retirement plans for several more years. Gina, known for her exceptional ceramics is in the hospital at Kermit’s side every day and has not been able to maintain her creative work for new clients.

Kermit’s practice will not be resuming anytime soon and he’s going to require extensive outside medical support. That will include drugs, specialized equipment installed at home and numerous healthcare professionals such as physiotherapists, osteopaths, trainers and rehab specialists. Kermit is now 70 and for the time being, his only income comes from some US Social Security, Canadian Old Age Security and Canada Pension which leaves a significant gap. These unexpected medical costs on top of the loss of the Stick family's regular income create an opportunity for Kermit’s many friends a chance to show their care and support for his health and successful recovery!

 

As friends of Kermit and Gina’s, and with their permission, we are conducting a campaign to raise $125,000 to help with the extra expenses that will come with recovery and the inability to work doing what he loves—taking care of his patients and family. Any contribution to this campaign will be a tremendous support to his lengthy recovery and to the family through this difficult time.

Thank you so much for considering a donation, and please join us in our prayers and by sending healing energy to Kermit. 

If you would like to speak further about ways to help, feel free to contact Chuck Lief the organizer of this fundraiser, via the contact button below.