We get by with a little help from our friends

On the morning of June 14th, my long time friend’s husband woke up paralyzed – no warning signs, no previous illness, nothing, just paralyzed. Phil was rushed to the hospital, underwent countless tests, and was originally misdiagnosed with a disease called Gilliam Barre Syndrome, but after further testing it was determined that his condition is a spinal cord injury due to an abscess that formed in his neck. Since his diagnosis, Phil has undergone multiple surgeries, has been in and out of rehabilitation and is currently undergoing treatments at home. He is getting PT and OT twice a week and now has a wound vac attached for the sore that developed in the hospital. He is seeing a plastic surgeon soon to have that sore closed up and hopefully that will heal easily. The sore was a result of not being turned every few hours in the hospital and/or not being on a proper mattress. Phil’s condition is improving; however, he is still paralyzed from the waist down. For his mobility, Phil requires a special motorized wheelchair. There’s a lifting mechanism with the chair that provides Phil the ability to reach and have freedom and a sense of independence to do things at home. The lifting mechanism is not covered by the insurance. They told Dawn it’s not medically necessary. She fights with the insurance company everyday about that. For them to buy the lifting mechanism it will cost an additional $3000.00 out of their pocket.  Dawn is  Phil’s full-time caregiver,  but it doesn’t pay much. She can’t get a full-time job because paying for daily care of Phil is expensive and Insurance won’t pay for nursing care at all. They say he doesn’t qualify.  That’s another hill to climb for them. He is in need of a hospital bed,  a Hoyer lift,  and many other things for his care. This has been a life changing event and they are struggling to survive.  

Another tragic incident occurred a few weeks ago, Phil’s ex-wife passed away suddenly and they are now tasked with the  responsibility of total care of his juvenile daughter until her mother’s estate is settled. Lawyers and courts will be involved as the child is 17 years old.  If she comes to live with her father and step-mom they will have to be financially supportive, as well as everything else that comes with raising a teenager. 

Back tracking now,  before he fell ill, they were getting ready to move to Florida. Phil was excited about starting his new job with Amazon. They were both very excited. Dawn was excited to be near her mom and back on the east coast again.  This hit them out of nowhere and now their nest egg is gone.  Dawn’s car is going to be repossessed and they are close to losing their apartment, as well drowning in their day to day bills. They are doing the best that they can. She has reached out to the Department of Housing to help with rent. But hasn’t  heard anything from them yet.  She calls everyday but still nothing. Phil’s Social Security is still pending. It takes several months. They are using resources where they can, but it’s just about run out. Dawn’s stress level is through the roof  and her doctor is concerned about her health as well. I am asking on behalf of my dear friends to lend a hand. Even if you do not know them, know that their struggle is all too real.  The overall goal is for Phil to have a full recovery and for them to make ends meet and get through this ordeal. Please any donation would be a huge help for them. Sometimes we need a little help from our friends or our friend’s friends.

I am thanking you on behalf of Phil and Dawn Fowlie.