I’ll try to keep this short, but I could write a book.

Just after Mar 20, 2021 a decision was made. After two doctor visits and being sent home with antibiotics, I collapsed on the floor when my temp went over 105. Two welfare checks were called in. The first officer decided to “respect my privacy” and not gain entry, even though my neighbor offered a key. Officer did not report findings to caller. Caller called a second time one or two days later. Second officer opted for “no man left behind” and gained entry. In the 3 days on the floor, I developed necrotizing fasciitis and I was in sepsis. I was unresponsive when I arrived at the hospital and doctors were certain I wouldn’t make it. Family was called to get to hospital immediately. The infection ate the left half of my body. It took surgeons 20 surgeries to remove the infection and spare my leg. Doctors said had the first officer gained entry, I could’ve done 2 weeks of antibiotics and walked out the door. Instead, this is what happened:

I almost lost my leg. I’ve lost the use of it, but I still have hope.

Lost my business. I had an RV rental business. Since I was in a coma for months, my units were taken; unfortunately, I had travel nurses using them for Covid because I had offered the use of them. So nurses had to scramble to find new places to stay.

Lost all of my rental units

Lost my truck(used for towing) and my car(used for personal)

Almost lost my son. He couldn’t handle seeing me the way I was and the thought of me dying. Thank you to any of the officers who got him to the hospital.

Lost a relationship. My son’s response was hard for a lot of people.

Lost almost my possessions. My friends and family all but gutted my house when they thought I wasn't coming home.

Spent 230 days in the hospital and counting. I go back every 2 months and stay 2 weeks to a month. I tend to fall when I try to stand up or exercise. I just want to go back to normal, but my recovery will be slow. I had to relearn how to use my hands and I can't project my voice due to intubation issues. It's hard to breathe fully.

Lost my social life and service to the church. I'm very much an extrovert. Now I'm alone at home and watch church online. I'm so thankful to Valley Church of Christ for sending Marlon my way to pray and study the Bible. He's such a blessing. And to the food bank for the groceries you sent over.

I was in a coma for a few months. I don't remember 2021 at all.

The price for 2021 was over $3 million. I have thousands of dollars in ambulance bills on my desk.

I have a lot of trouble asking for anything, but the reality is, I'm unable to do this myself and I need help. I'm overwhelmed, but I know things can't be made entirely right.

I need:

A working wheelchair. Mine is borrowed and broken.

Home health. The doctors highly recommend it, but insurance won't cover it.

Occupational therapy, at least to help me understand how to function at home.

Help with everyday stuff. There's a lot I can't do.

A better car. I just bought an old cheap one, but after lymphedema took over I can no longer fit in it. I don't feel safe trying to drive anyway, so I was able to get medical transportation. Meals on Wheels doesn't come this far, I guess.

A lot of prayer. My recovery is going to be long.