Help Support Don and Kathy Wood in their time of need.

Don and Kathy Wood were enjoying the trip of a lifetime, celebrating their 40th wedding anniversary by travelling through Maine, New York, and Niagara Falls. On their way home, they stopped in West Virginia for the night. While there, Don became very ill, suffering from symptoms such as nausea and dizziness. Having previously struggled with neck issues, he assumed this was the problem until he became confused and disoriented.

 

A hotel staff member called an ambulance, and he was quickly transported to Stonewall Jackson Hospital in Weston. After preliminary tests, he was intubated, stabilized, and transferred to Mon Health in Morgantown. Don underwent numerous tests, including X-rays, CTs, an MRI, and a lumbar puncture. The results revealed bacterial meningitis in addition to rhinovirus. After a few days, his medical team decided to decrease Don’s sedation. At this time, he began having seizures.  Anti-seizure medication was initiated and gradually increased.  By Saturday, although he was receiving multiple anti-seizure medications, sedation medications, and antibiotics, Don was suffering seizures up to 3 minutes apart.

 

For almost a year prior to their trip, Don had been battling an ear infection under the care of his ENT. His next step was going to be to open his stationary tube that had closed. The doctors at Mon Health agreed this step was necessary at this time; however, the procedure would be best performed at a different hospital. Therefore, he was transferred to J.W. Ruby Memorial Hospital, which has a neurological ICU and an ENT on staff. By Monday morning, Don had a tube placed in his ear, and he looked much better. His seizures decreased significantly, but are still ongoing. He continues to receive anti-seizure medicine and an antibiotic. With this course of treatment, Don and Kathy are expected to remain in West Virginia for another three to four weeks.

 

Don is the sole provider for his household. Although insured, his treatment has been classified as out-of-network with a low percentage of coverage and a high deductible. In addition to the cost of his continued care, Kathy is amassing daily living costs to remain with Don in West Virginia. Upon his release and return home, it is uncertain when Don will be able to return to his physically demanding work.

 

Because of the unfortunate circumstances that turned Don and Kathy’s dream vacation into a nightmare, and the uncertain future that looms ahead, we ask that you please donate to this GoFundMe as you are able. If you can donate or not, we ask that you earnestly lift them up in prayer. We are confident that Don and Kathy will live many more happy years together. With your help, these years can be less stressful financially.

Donations will be accepted through the GoFundMe page, an account set up at PeoplesSouth Bank in Eufaula, Cajun Corner in Eufaula, Cashapp, PayPal, and Venmo.

CashApp- $KathyandDonWood85

PayPal- @KathyWood1919

Venmo- @KathyandDonWood85