In September, my mom Shelly and stepdad Ken Ballard traveled from Florida to Buffalo to visit my little brother. What was meant to be a joyful family visit quickly turned into a nightmare when Ken suddenly suffered a massive hemorrhagic stroke. He was rushed to the hospital, and after being put on medication to prevent another stroke, it caused a brain bleed and swelling which resulted in emergency surgery. Ken spent nearly a week in a medically induced coma, and the days that followed were filled with uncertainty and fear for our entire family.

Since then, my mom has been staying with my brother while Ken undergoes intensive rehabilitation at Brothers of Mercy. The stroke left Ken paralyzed on his left side, forcing my parents to find temporary housing in Buffalo and make everything handicap accessible. With Ken being the sole provider for their household, this sudden turn of events has been emotionally and financially overwhelming. The costs of medical care, housing, and necessary equipment have added up quickly, and my family is doing everything we can to support them.

Donations to this fundraiser will help my parents get a handicap-enabled vehicle, so they can eventually return to Florida once Ken completes his rehab, which is expected to take another year. The funds will also go toward essential medical devices like a wheelchair, lift, and other equipment to make life easier and safer for Ken. Ken worked as part of UAW for over 30 years and is one of the hardest working people I know. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for your kindness and generosity. Your support means everything to our family during this difficult time.