Help with Randy's medical bills

***The goal was set in such a way to meet the income loss and pay for the medical bills. It has been decided, should the goal be exceeded; the rest will be donated towards a LUCAS (Auto CPR Compressions equipment) machine; to be provided to a local ambulance service that is unable to acquire such a valuable, life saving piece of equipment.*** 

Before going into our story, we want the readers to know, while we appreciate any donations that you can make, foremost prayers are needed and appreciated.

WHAT HAPPENED:

On the morning of March 31st, Randy woke up not feeling well. After discussing his symptoms with his wife Anita, it was determined they should call 911. 

Once the Fire Department showed up, Randy's condition took a turn for the worse. As the Fire Department walked through the house, Randy collapsed. CPR was immediately administered and continued while waiting for the paramedics to arrive. Once the paramedics arrived, Randy was shocked multiple times utilizing an AED and placed on a LUCAS machine (Auto Chest Compression machine). By the miracle of God and the quick life saving techniques; they were able to get a pulse back and bring his heart into a normal rhythm. 

However, Randy was not out of danger yet, but was also not done fighting. The paramedics had to rush Randy to the hospital where they got him immediately into the Cath Lab. Once there, they were able to diagnosis Randy with having an ongoing massive heart attack in his Left Anterior Descending Artery; with a 100% occlusion to the artery; and took immediate action to remedy the occlusion. The doctors were able to successfully insert a stent within the blocked artery, helping to re-vascularize  blood flow to that area of his heart. After performing other measures, they were able to get Randy, who was still in very critical condition; into a stable enough condition to transport to a local St. Louis hospital. As of this writing, Randy is still in a critical, but stable condition; with a lot of "unknowns" yet for his future prognosis. 

This type of heart attack is commonly known as the "Widowmaker" due to the low rate of survivability when occurring outside of the hospital setting (6% survival rate outside of a hospital setting). This is also a very common occurrence for those after retiring from a public service position, such as the one Randy held.

To say God had a hand in walking Randy, Anita and his family through this entire process thus far, would be a huge understatement. Everything that occurred yesterday occurred in such a way that if just one thing was done differently, this would be a different post. Thanks be to God, that is not the case. 

RANDY'S LIFE

Randy has spent his adult life serving his community, country and dedicating himself to being a man of God; and truly family oriented.

Randy joined the military at a young age with the Illinois National Army Guard. After being honorably discharged from the military, Randy started working for the City of Edwardsville as a Community Service Officer. He held that position for 2 years before applying to and being hired as an Edwardsville Police Officer. Randy served his community in the most noble of ways. He was known for being a kind and compassionate Police Officer, one the community and his fellow co-workers admired and respected. After 28 years of service as a Police Officer for the City of Edwardsville, Randy decided it was time to hang up his gun belt. Randy retired from the City of Edwardsville in September of '20 with a total of 30 years of service. 

Randy's last day of work as a City of Edwardsville Police Officer - Top (Randy and his son Cory)

Randy's last day of work as a City of Edwardsville Police Officer - Top (Randy and his wife Anita)
Randy providing his Son 'N Law his police academy graduation certification


RANDY'S FAMILY

While serving his community, Randy also serves his family. Randy is a loving husband, a father (father n law)and a grandfather to two granddaughters with one more on the way. 

Randy with his newest Granddaughter

Watching Randy with his son, it is evident that he is a fantastic father. When he married Anita, Randy used to joke that he had always wanted a daughter too; and that he gained three. 


Randy's wife, daughters and granddaughter 

Randy's children and grandchildren 

Why are we telling you this? Because we want the readers to know what kind of man Randy is:

Randy is the guy who will give you the shirt off of his back, even if it was the last shirt that he had.

He is the guy who will drop everything to help you out should you need it.

He is the guy who put his life on the line everyday he put on a uniform to keep his community safe, despite knowing the chances were there that he may not come home to his family that he loves so much.

He is the guy who signed up to serve his country knowing what that could entail.

He is the guy who serves God everyday.

He is the guy who NEVER asked for anything in return. (Anyone who knows Randy will tell you it takes practically an act of Congress for him to allow someone to help him when in need.)

He is the guy WE as family, friends and community need to come and rally around.

Trust me when I say this, he is the guy who would NEVER ask for this GoFundMe to be created. 

Randy's ingenuity at work. To windy for a bonfire, so he made a fake one

EXPECTED MEDICAL BILLS / LOSS OF INCOME

After Randy retired, he started up his business of being a Handyman to help supplement income and the high cost of medical insurance. His wife Anita also runs her own business.

Randy's recovery means that Anita  will need to temporarily stop working to make sure Randy stays on track for a full recovery. Randy will also not be able to work for an unknown amount of time. 

As you can imagine, the medical bills for just this last 24 hours will be huge, let alone what the ongoing medical bills will cost. 

The goal was set in such a way to meet the income loss and pay for the medical bills. It has been decided, should the goal be met and be exceeded; that anything over the goal will be donated towards a LUCAS (Auto CPR Compressions equipment) machine; to be provided to a local ambulance service that is unable to acquire such a valuable, life saving piece of equipment.

THANK YOU

We would like to send out our outmost gratitude to the volunteer firefighters and the paramedics who saved his life. Had it not been for their fast response and quick actions, we do not know what the outcome would have been. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for the sacrifice you provide to your families, to ensure that the community members you serve remain safe.

Thank you to the multiple members of the hospital staff who played a huge role in maintaining and improving Randy's condition.


We appreciate any donations that you can make, but foremost we appreciate prayers.