Help Give the Lowe Family Vital Care and Hope

Dr. Ed Lowe, former Chief Scientist for the St. Johns River Water Management District, had to abruptly retire in 2014 to care for his family. One son struck by lightning; one son becoming quadriplegic; his wife developing a mental breakdown, dementia and a heart attack. Now Ed himself is on the verge of collapse, mentally, physically and financially.

Here’s how it happened, and how you can help offer hope:

In 2006, son Austin was hit by a bolt of lightning in Gainesville while a UF student, suffering catastrophic burns. Ed and his wife Nancy devoted themselves to his recovery. Thankfully, Austin is now able to work and live independently, although he lives with chronic pain.

In 2014, son Aaron had an accident that led to him becoming an "incomplete quadriplegic," with partial paralysis of all four limbs, causing both Ed and Nancy to retire to care for him fulltime. For 8 years, they were his sole caregivers. They retrofitted their home, bought a specialized wheelchair and a van for transport, provided therapies and the best quality of life for their son that they could, draining their life savings and their stamina.

In 2022, Nancy woke up one morning, suddenly not knowing Ed or Aaron. Developing dementia overnight and a childlike state of mind, she required Ed’s care 24/7 herself. In 2023, she suffered a heart attack, rendering her wheelchair bound. In 2024, Nancy has been hospitalized 3 times in August alone, for diverticulitis, a grand mal seizure, and fainting spells. Back at home now, Ed provides her 24/7 care, except for some in home nursing care. This care costs $480/half day, so 5 days per week is about $10,000 per month. It is not covered by Medicare. The family cannot afford to pay.

Now 39, Aaron still lives at home, requires 24/7 care and is still in chronic pain. Ed continues to provide personal care throughout the day, as do Medicaid provided caregivers. But Aaron’s specialized wheelchair has worn out, causing his skin to break down. He needs a specialized hospital-style bed for paraplegics. And very specialized therapy to have a chance at returning to some sort of independence. The Shepherd Center in Atlanta treats people with his condition. If funds were available to send him there for a 30-day assessment and intensive therapy session, he could possibly regain more functionality. One therapy that could help at home is the MyoCycle FES (Functional Electrical Stimulation) Therapy System. This cycle uses electronic stimulation of the paralyzed person’s own muscles to power it. Recovering some limb sensation, and improvement of fitness levels and psychological health are reported. See more at: https://myolyn.com/for-home/overview/ This equipment and therapy would cost over $100,000. None is covered by Medicaid. The family cannot afford to pay.

During these many years of caregiving, Ed’s own physical and mental health has plummeted. His weight is down to only 135 pounds. He has no time or energy to take care of his own health. Most recently, in September 2024, he had one third of his ear removed due to basal cell carcinoma. As the main caregiver for both his wife and son, and now recovering from surgery himself, Ed has had to acknowledge his very real need for outside help.

Here’s where you can step in!

Aaron lost his “life” 10 years ago; he was a joyful young man, loved music, gardening, and science. Funds for equipment and therapy can help him lead a more independent and productive life. Nancy’s life has changed immeasurably; she desperately needs more caregiver time. And the quality of Ed’s life is completely tied to theirs. Helping them will give him respite and a chance to recover his own good health. Your generosity will provide that glimmer of hope that each member of the family longs for.

The Lowe family deeply appreciates your consideration.