Help Tim & Jessica Kelly Get On Their Feet

Hello friends, family and kind strangers! I'd like to start by saying thank you for taking the time to read this story and for all the love and support that you have given to Tim and Jessica Kelly over the past month. I can't think of two people more deserving than they.

Now, let me tell you their story. Five weeks ago, on Memorial Day weekend, Tim and Jessica had planned to spend the day on the water - boating and enjoying time with friends. As you know, some things don't always go as planned. Tim was launching the boat on Sunday and in doing so, he cut his foot on a boat cleat. That cut rapidly got infected and within 24 hours, he was admitted to the hospital. This type of infection, identified as flesh eating bacteria, left docotors in race against the clock to kill the infection and save Timmy's life and foot. 10 long days later, after 3 surgeries he was released with his would still open, in a wheel chair and a daily schedule of wound care treatments.

Let me stop here and say this, be careful out there. This bacteria is no joke. Pease do your research and be aware of what flesh eating bateria does and all that it can take from you. I urge you to heed the warnings as they are issued by the CDC to stay out of infected waters. This was an unfortunate accident that could have happened to any of us frequent "water bugs."

Now, back to Timmy's story. Over the past 5 weeks, as I mentioned above, he has had three surgeries on his foot and is doing daily hyperbaric oxygen treatment to help promote healthy tissue growth. He was scheduled for 30 sessions total, so he has a few more weeks of that. If you are not familiar with this type of therapy, it's very expensive ! He also has daily appointments for wound care and cleaning. All the while, he still cannot walk or put any pressure on his foot. Nor can he drive yet. He has been told the total recovery time is 4 to 6 months. If you are friends with Jessica Kelly on social media, then you know she has been trying to keep everyone updated on Timmy's progress.

Now, let me tell you a little about why I think these two folks are so awesome and great assets to their community. Tim and Jessica go above and beyond to show their love and support for all those who call this place home. From planning Chamber events for the county, and volunteering as a Fair Board member, to coaching T-ball, softball and baseball teams, over the years they are no strangers to the hard work it takes to help make a community thrive. Several years ago, their hearts were burdened for those who were in need of a warm meal at Christmas time. That's when they decided to become the Turkeys From Heaven Event Coordinators for Sumter County, Florida. What began as a small venture to provide a few families with a warm meal, has now grown into a massive community effort of feeding several hundred families over the past 5 years. All this because these 2 people love selflessly, saw a need and made a choice to sacrifice their time and efforts for the sake of others. Now, more than 50 volunteers come together each year to continue this warm and caring gesture of kindness.

Timmy has kept a positive attitude and an infectious (pun intended) smile on his face despite the difficult challenges he encounters with this injury. With that being said, I am asking for you to consider helping them out during this financially straining time. Anything that you feel lead to donate will go toward helping out with unpaid medical bills and for gas as they travel back and forth daily to doctor visits. Just this past week, he had 8 different medical appointments.

Thank you so much for your prayers for healing and for those who have helped Jessica by taking Timmy to appointments. It is such an encouragement to see how God uses others to display His lovingkindness and grace. Thank you in advance for your continued love and support.