In 2015, my friend Randy was leading his horse across a ditch and his foot got stuck in the mud and the horse jumped on it before he could free himself. That started a chain of events that ultimately led to 11 ankle surgeries, multiple bone and tissue infections, and now the grand finale, leg amputation due to a severe MRSA infection that went septic. Randy has had nearly 30 surgeries in total during his adult life due to many things, but this one is by far the most life-altering. He can no longer do the things he loves to do and will need to re-invent his life with his wife of 32 years, Cindy, and with the love and support of his 2 grown children, a task that seems quite daunting at times. He is determined to ride his motorcycle again and to walk his daughter down the aisle in July, 2022.

After the amputation surgery, he was finally sent home from the hospital, but spiked a fever of 102.2 and was back in the ER before the day was done. As it happens, his body is rejecting the only antibiotics that kill the MRSA infection. His artificial knee is in jeopardy, as the infection is in there and if it isn’t completely killed, they will have to take the leg above the knee as well. To make matters even more complicated, he has a blood clotting disorder which requires constant attention and regulation.

He is now home but has to be on IV antibiotic infusions 3x/day for 4 weeks, which is essentially poisoning him while trying to keep the MRSA infection at bay. There have been many expenses not covered by insurance, including but not limited to, home modifications, equipment, and ultimately a prosthesis.

All of this time and recovery could be lost ground if he ends up having to have his knee taken as well if the MRSA isn’t completely eradicated. Then this process will start all over again.

Please consider helping my friend and his family recover from this unfortunate trauma during this festive season of giving.