As some of you may or may not know, my brother, Lionel Isom, 51, suffered a hemorrhagic stroke on November 4. He was left paralyzed and unable to breathe on his own, but he could hear and was aware of his surroundings. Lionel spent a month in Intensive Critical Care (ICU), undergoing several surgeries, including the placement of a feeding tube and a tracheotomy. Once he was stable, he was moved to critical care. Though he could not speak, he communicated by moving his thumb for yes and his pointer finger for no. Later, he was transferred to an intensive rehabilitation center for 30 days, and now he is in a 24/7 nursing facility.

The doctors have informed us that Lionel’s recovery will be a long, intensive process, but he is showing incredible determination to regain his independence. The left side of his body is still paralyzed, but he can move the right side. He remains on a feeding tube and is working with a speech therapist to regain his speech. He can move his head and maneuver himself in a wheelchair, though he cannot sit up on his own. Despite these obstacles, Lionel has remained strong and hopeful.

We are reaching out for help because the financial burden of this sudden event is overwhelming. Currently, Lionel is unable to work, and insurance does not cover all necessary costs. Funds raised will go directly toward intensive in-patient rehabilitation (physical, occupational, and speech therapy), medical equipment (wheelchair, home accessibility modifications), and essential living expenses (rent/mortgage, utilities) while he is out of work. Lionel has always been the first to offer help, and now he needs ours. Any donation, no matter how small, makes a real difference in his ability to focus on healing, not bills. If you are unable to donate, sharing this page with your network would mean the world to us. Thank you for your kindness, prayers, and support during this difficult time.