Help support Billy and his family on this Road to Recovery

My brother-in-law, Billy Faas, husband to my sister Nicole and father to Billy, Luke, and Tommy, has recently battled septic shock, a life-threatening condition that landed him in the ICU and intubated for two weeks. Before I elaborate on those details, I wanted to take a moment to introduce who Billy is and what he means to our family.

Billy, better known as Billy Boy, can be best described as the gentle giant. Big in stature and also big in his heart. He’s fun and loving and always laughing. The kind of guy who will pick up rib eyes and bottles of cab, park his RV in your driveway, and be giddy over just a night hanging around a fire pit. He is a dedicated husband to my sister, a proud father to 3 amazing young boys, a loving son, a protective big brother, the fun uncle always slipping 20s, and a damn good friend. I have yet to meet anyone who knows Billy and Nicole who have not expressed to me “I LOVE Billy & Nicole”.

Billy’s struggle began suddenly on 4/11. The sepsis rapidly progressed causing multiple organ failure leaving him to battle for his life. The ups and downs during those early days were truly gut-wrenching. I never want to revisit those conversations had with my sister during that time. By the grace of God, he has since woken up, but now faces the daunting task of rehabilitation, relearning how to use every part of his body again and facing possible long-term interventions. Doctors estimate that his recovery can take anywhere from 8 months to a year. The scary part is over, now comes the difficult part. A challenging and uncertain path ahead.

Billy's rehabilitation will be extensive, requiring physical, occupational, and speech therapy. During this time, he will be unable to work, creating a significant financial burden on their family. Additionally, the medical bills are overwhelming, and the costs of ongoing care and therapy are substantial. My sister is doing her best to hold the family together, but with 3 small kids, the emotional and financial strain is immense.

We are incredibly grateful for the outpouring of love and support from everyone. Even the check-ins from friends. It has touched all of us how everyone has jumped up and pitched in to help where they can. Your kindness and generosity mean the world to us and give us hope during this challenging time. If you know my sister and Billy, you know they are salt of the earth good people. My sister is about to take on the task of helping her husband rehabilitate his life as they once knew, being strong for her 3 small children, all while working full time. Please consider donating and sharing with those who have had the pleasure of knowing Billy & Nicole. It would mean the world to Nicole & Billy and our families.

With heartfelt gratitude,

The Hutchinson, Faas, & Rusinyak families.