Help Our Family Recover After a Life-Changing Stroke

Story

Dear Friends, Family, and Kind Strangers, On Monday, December 9, 2024, our lives were turned upside down when I suffered a stroke. At just 43 years old, in decent health, I never imagined I’d be in this position. But here I am, sharing my story because my family and I truly need your help during this difficult time. That day started like any other. I was trying to shake off a headache when things took a sudden and terrifying turn. I woke up unable to move the right side of my body, numb and weak. I was dizzy, nauseous, and disoriented, and to make matters worse, I couldn’t speak—just mumble incoherent sounds. I knew something was very wrong. By the time the ambulance arrived, I was so dizzy I actually fell over the gurney. My vision blurred—double, triple, shaking vision—and every step of this ordeal has been the most groggy, disorienting experience of my life. After being rushed to the hospital, I learned that a small vein in my head in the Medulla that connect to the spinal cord had caused the stroke. While I’m incredibly lucky to be alive, my journey to recovery is just beginning. I’ll need rehabilitation for 7–30 days, and even then, full recovery isn’t guaranteed. This is a devastating blow for our family. As a self-employed father of six, I’ve always worked hard to provide for my kids and manage two businesses. But with the economy slowing and work already tough, we’ve been living paycheck to paycheck. Now, I’m unable to work, and the medical bills, rehab costs, and household expenses are piling up. My wife is doing everything she can to hold things together, but we already care for her 70-year-old mother, who suffered a stroke 2–3 years ago and is still recovering. With so many responsibilities and mouths to feed, we’re overwhelmed. This isn’t just a financial struggle—it’s an emotional one, too. I’m facing weeks or months of recovery while trying to stay strong for my family. I never thought I’d find myself asking for help, but here I am, humbled by life’s unpredictability. We need support to get through this challenging time. Every donation, big or small, will go directly toward: • Medical bills and rehab expenses • Basic necessities for our kids and household • Keeping our family afloat while I recover If you can help in any way, even by sharing this story, it would mean the world to us. I’m grateful for another chance at life, and I’m determined to recover and get back on my feet. But I can’t do it alone. From the bottom of my heart, thank you for your kindness, generosity, and prayers. With gratitude, The Laursen’s!