Medical funds for Vince and Carol.
Donation protected
Anyone who knows Vince Kelly has had the pleasure of laughing with him, witnessing how much he adores his wife Carol, and experiencing the “soft glow” of the Leg Lamp that illuminates their living room window every Christmas.
Vince is the type of person who will help anyone in a time of need and is his mother-in-law’s favorite son-in-law. It should be noted, however, that he is also her only son-in-law.
It is hard to imagine anyone wanting to harm Vince. Unfortunately, someone did harm him earlier this year.
What Happened
On Friday, June 6, 2014, Vince returned home from work. He received a text message from his neighbor Judy stating that another elderly neighbor, Don, had been prowling around Vince and Carol’s house earlier that afternoon. About 15 minutes after Vince arrived at home, Don rang the doorbell at the backdoor of Vince and Carol’s house, this doorbell was installed after Don’s wife (Kate) died. They did this so they would always know if Don was at the door, in case he needed anything.
Vince answered the door and greeted Don. After ranting incoherently for a few seconds, Don shot Vince in the stomach with a .22 caliber pistol.
Vince had the presence of mind to barricade himself in his office and call 911 to report his injuries and the person who caused them. Vince’s quick thinking saved his life.
Once the ambulance arrived, Vince was rushed to Bloomington Hospital where he underwent emergency surgery to remove a damaged portion of his colon. He was then airlifted to Methodist Hospital in Indianapolis.
Vince was immediately put into an induced coma for 14 days and required a respirator to breathe. While at Methodist Hospital, Vince’s pancreas, liver, colon, and intestines required surgery and several “clean-outs” to repair the extensive damage caused by the .22 caliber bullet.
Recovery
Vince awoke from the induced coma on June 20, but remained heavily sedated and required a breathing tube, pancreas drain, relocating a Duodenum drain and adding a feeding tube . He remained in Methodist Hospital’s critical care unit for 30 days with Carol by his side. She spent the first 10 nights in the hospital lobby and then spent all day at Vince’s side until she reluctantly had to return to work on August 9.
On July 4, doctors determined Vince was strong enough to be moved to Kindred Rehab Center to begin intense rehabilitation therapy. On July 11, Vince was transferred back to Methodist Hospital due to infection and fever resulting from his wound and surgeries.
After more than 30 days of continued complications with infections and fevers and the installation of a liver duct stent, Vince was transferred back to Kindred Long Term Acute Care on August 21.
Returning Home
Vince completed in-patient therapy and returned home on September 18!
Nurse visits three times a week began after Vince returned home . For six weeks, a physical therapist visited Vince at home to help in his recovery. Vince then continued physical therapy on his own.
On November 21, Vince’s pancreas drain was removed. On November 26, the liver duct stent was removed.
As of December 10, Vince is still waiting for his intestines to be re-connected, which may not occur for three more months.
Fallout:
Legal
A lawsuit against Don is pending and will likely take months to resolve with little restitution paid to Vince and Carol.
Don was charged with attempted murder but was declared mentally incompetent to stand trial. He currently resides at a state-operated facility in Logansport, Indiana . Don is about 85 years old and his health is rapidly deteriorating. Vince and Carol are hopeful Don’s homeowner’s insurance policy will help ease some of the financial burdens they have endured so far. However, the medical Insurance company and Indiana Victims fund are first in line should any compensation be received.
Financial
As a result of this tragic event, Vince and Carol have been surviving on Carol’s income alone. Vince was self-employed and is, therefore, unable to collect any unemployment benefits. Vince and Carol were debt-free prior to the shooting and had been making plans to retire.
Vince’s hospital bills have surpassed $750,000. Currently, Vince and Carol are responsible for at least $25,000 after insurance covers its portion. However, Vince and Carol could be responsible for more medical expenses if Vince requires continued care.
No one plans for these things to happen, especially to someone as loved as Vince. The extensive care Vince required has put a financial strain on Vince and Carol. Please help them heal their emotional and physical wounds by lifting the financial burden caused by this dreadful event. Thank you for your kind words, continued prayers, and loving support.
Hope
Through it all, Vince and Carol have shown us all what marriage is supposed to be about: “For better or worse….” They are completely devoted to each other. They have been steadfast in their love for each other and in their hope for the future.
During a recent birthday celebration meal for Carol, Vince said, “I’m alive and I have a wonderful wife.”
We are thankful that Vince is alive, and we are confident he will make a full recovery. We love you Ned and Maude!
Vince is the type of person who will help anyone in a time of need and is his mother-in-law’s favorite son-in-law. It should be noted, however, that he is also her only son-in-law.
It is hard to imagine anyone wanting to harm Vince. Unfortunately, someone did harm him earlier this year.
What Happened
On Friday, June 6, 2014, Vince returned home from work. He received a text message from his neighbor Judy stating that another elderly neighbor, Don, had been prowling around Vince and Carol’s house earlier that afternoon. About 15 minutes after Vince arrived at home, Don rang the doorbell at the backdoor of Vince and Carol’s house, this doorbell was installed after Don’s wife (Kate) died. They did this so they would always know if Don was at the door, in case he needed anything.
Vince answered the door and greeted Don. After ranting incoherently for a few seconds, Don shot Vince in the stomach with a .22 caliber pistol.
Vince had the presence of mind to barricade himself in his office and call 911 to report his injuries and the person who caused them. Vince’s quick thinking saved his life.
Once the ambulance arrived, Vince was rushed to Bloomington Hospital where he underwent emergency surgery to remove a damaged portion of his colon. He was then airlifted to Methodist Hospital in Indianapolis.
Vince was immediately put into an induced coma for 14 days and required a respirator to breathe. While at Methodist Hospital, Vince’s pancreas, liver, colon, and intestines required surgery and several “clean-outs” to repair the extensive damage caused by the .22 caliber bullet.
Recovery
Vince awoke from the induced coma on June 20, but remained heavily sedated and required a breathing tube, pancreas drain, relocating a Duodenum drain and adding a feeding tube . He remained in Methodist Hospital’s critical care unit for 30 days with Carol by his side. She spent the first 10 nights in the hospital lobby and then spent all day at Vince’s side until she reluctantly had to return to work on August 9.
On July 4, doctors determined Vince was strong enough to be moved to Kindred Rehab Center to begin intense rehabilitation therapy. On July 11, Vince was transferred back to Methodist Hospital due to infection and fever resulting from his wound and surgeries.
After more than 30 days of continued complications with infections and fevers and the installation of a liver duct stent, Vince was transferred back to Kindred Long Term Acute Care on August 21.
Returning Home
Vince completed in-patient therapy and returned home on September 18!
Nurse visits three times a week began after Vince returned home . For six weeks, a physical therapist visited Vince at home to help in his recovery. Vince then continued physical therapy on his own.
On November 21, Vince’s pancreas drain was removed. On November 26, the liver duct stent was removed.
As of December 10, Vince is still waiting for his intestines to be re-connected, which may not occur for three more months.
Fallout:
Legal
A lawsuit against Don is pending and will likely take months to resolve with little restitution paid to Vince and Carol.
Don was charged with attempted murder but was declared mentally incompetent to stand trial. He currently resides at a state-operated facility in Logansport, Indiana . Don is about 85 years old and his health is rapidly deteriorating. Vince and Carol are hopeful Don’s homeowner’s insurance policy will help ease some of the financial burdens they have endured so far. However, the medical Insurance company and Indiana Victims fund are first in line should any compensation be received.
Financial
As a result of this tragic event, Vince and Carol have been surviving on Carol’s income alone. Vince was self-employed and is, therefore, unable to collect any unemployment benefits. Vince and Carol were debt-free prior to the shooting and had been making plans to retire.
Vince’s hospital bills have surpassed $750,000. Currently, Vince and Carol are responsible for at least $25,000 after insurance covers its portion. However, Vince and Carol could be responsible for more medical expenses if Vince requires continued care.
No one plans for these things to happen, especially to someone as loved as Vince. The extensive care Vince required has put a financial strain on Vince and Carol. Please help them heal their emotional and physical wounds by lifting the financial burden caused by this dreadful event. Thank you for your kind words, continued prayers, and loving support.
Hope
Through it all, Vince and Carol have shown us all what marriage is supposed to be about: “For better or worse….” They are completely devoted to each other. They have been steadfast in their love for each other and in their hope for the future.
During a recent birthday celebration meal for Carol, Vince said, “I’m alive and I have a wonderful wife.”
We are thankful that Vince is alive, and we are confident he will make a full recovery. We love you Ned and Maude!
Organizer
Gale Williams
Organizer
Bloomington, IN
