On December 22, 2020, just three days before Christmas, our brother-in-law (our
bro), Todd Youngblood, suffered a major stroke while working in Syracuse NY. Mary, Todd’s wife, tells the story of how she had frantically tried to reach him that morning to make sure he was okay. You see, Todd and Mary have a habit of talking every morning, typically with Todd calling to check in and let her know where his route will take him for the day. When no call came and she could not reach him, she knew something was terribly wrong. Unfortunately, at that time, Todd lay in his truck paralyzed from the stroke and alone for what is estimated at more than 10 hours until emergency rescue finally came. As tragic as this was, even more tragic is the fact that because of the nature of his injuries, his left arm eventually had to be amputated below the shoulder. 

Todd spent the next several weeks at SUNY Upstate University Hospital in Syracuse NY. As part of his treatment, a portion of Todd’s skull was removed to accommodate for the swelling in his brain. He was heavily sedated and essentially comatose for much of his stay. Initially, he was placed on a ventilator, feeding tube and intravenous meds/fluids. As Todd began to regain consciousness and increased coherence, the harrowing decision was made to amputate his arm at the T-shirt sleeve line. At about the same time, a feeding tube was inserted through his stomach as a temporary means to provide nourishment until he could eventually regain his swallowing mechanism.

Slowly but surely, Todd has begun to take some positive steps forward. He has started to regain his speech following removal of the vent and his memory has started to return. Although he at times still becomes confused, he is able to form sentences and engage in more lucid conversations with Mary and his caregivers. The effects of the stroke are still very real as he has limited use and mobility of his entire left side, including his swallowing muscles and movements of his eyes, and is still very much in a fog. Recently, Todd was transferred to Post Acute Medical Specialty in Wilkes-Barre, PA where his treatment and rehabilitation continue. It’s way too early yet to even try to determine what the future will hold for Todd and his recovery, but we are a hopeful and prayerful family.  We know that their young lives (Todd is 57 and Mary is 55) are now forever changed, but our trust in God and our determination to help him and his family through this will never waver.

The lockdowns associated with Covid-19 pandemic have made it impossible for his family to visit with him and provide him with the physical interaction and emotional support he desperately needs. Although they are strong, the toll on Mary and his children is palpable. The thought of him being so seriously afflicted and hospitalized hundreds of miles away with no avenue for her and  family to reach him, to hold his hand, to comfort him, to support him, to talk to him, to tell him how much he means to us and how much we love him is heartbreaking. The helplessness, the sadness, the fear, the uncertainty is heart-wrenching. Communication with Todd is primarily through Mary and is limited to phone and video calls when nurses or aides can arrange it. We rely on Mary for updates and news of his rehabilitation and recovery. As a family, we try to support her in any way we can and have written cards and sent care packages with our well-wishes and love to him.

 A little about Todd…Todd has a BIG personality. I can best describe him as part Jerry Lewis, a bit Sean Connery and a whole lotta John Wayne. He enjoys and cherishes the simple things in life; a cookout at the park, a cold beer after cutting his grass, a backyard volleyball game, going to a concert or sporting event, taking a walk or playing pickle ball with Mary, spending time with family and friends. What I’ve always admired most about Todd is his devotion to family and friends and the empathy and compassion he shows for others. Not to sound cliché but Todd IS the guy that pulls over and helps you when you are stranded and alone in the middle of the night on a dark and rainy road.  He never hesitates, he never wavers; it’s a natural response for him. When I think about the road ahead, I take solace in knowing just how very strong he is and how determined his family and friends are to do everything we can to support and help him. It’s our turn to get him off that dark and rainy road.

The love and outpouring of support from our extended family (friends included) has been tremendous. Mary has been a rock through all of this and she has handled the entire situation with an astounding amount of quiet resolve and grace. The emotional hurdles associated with his care, progress and recovery coupled with the burdens of dealing with multiple health-care providers, insurance companies, his employer and disability agencies is exceedingly taxing on her and the kids. Future medical, therapeutic, counseling needs as well as potential home accessibility renovation costs in the absence of gainful employment must be considered.

In short, they need our financial help. Our goal is to raise enough funds to offset lost wages and cover the costs associated with longer term rehabilitation needs, on-going medical care, travel expenditures and home renovations. Todd is a very proud man and once he finds out that we, as a family, have solicited others for this help, will be extremely angry with us for doing so.  On the other hand, we all look to the day when we can have that argument with him face-to-face and in person.

On behalf of our entire family, we would like to thank each and every one of you for your continued love and support and in advance of whatever monetary offering you can provide.

To Todd: From the Book of Isaiah 41:10 – “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand."