Jacks Long Covid Fight

Hi Everyone,

As you may know my son Jack (John Fall), was hospitalized June/July 2020 in AZ where he has lived the last few years. He was in intensive care for a month. Covid pneumonia attacked his lungs. His was a rare case we are told, 37 years old, strong, healthy, low risk life style. A single man living a quiet life, never drank or smoked, and had no pre existing conditions. His body fought the virus and he survived.

What happened to my son Jack could happen to anyone, this is why the world shut down. This “novel coronavirus” that kills, never ends for some survivors. This is what is now referred to as “long covid” .

Jack was discharged from the hospital oxygen dependent, trembling, weak, and traumatized. I watched for a month as nurses and physical therapists monitored him and gave him exercises. Little milestones kept his spirits up. By the end of August he was able to walk around his apartment. No self pity, no anger. He was (and still is) determined to get better and live his life.

 

Jack was oxygen dependent for a few months. He has lost approximately thirty percent of his lung function due to scar tissue.

In November 2020 he was cleared to return to work with accommodations. Sadly, within a couple of weeks bronchial spasms, brain fog, and lightheaded ness forced him to go on short term disability.  

The reason we are doing this is because medical expenses on top of living expenses have wiped Jack out financially.
Short term disability covered only a portion of his salary for six months. He has been on unpaid medical leave since June!  Over due medical bills are $3,000 right now and there are more to come. Friends and family, knowing his situation, have been helping but at this point it is time to ask our community for help.


What is “long covid”? - Long covid is now included in the Americans with Disability Act. Over the last year Jack has  had issues with his lungs and other organs, brain function, heart rate, blood cell count etc.   He sees numerous specialists, is enrolled in clinical studies, has taken several rounds of steroids, tried various prescriptions, countless tests, on and on. 
Doctors are still learning how to help these people , and Jack hopes they are learning from his case and that it will help others. They now believe Jack’s symptoms are caused by an autonomic disturbance.
 
Jack is a proud man, he never lives beyond his means, he is organized, responsible and doesn’t like asking for help.

Jack wants to return to work and quote “be a contributing member of society”.  His doctors recently cleared him with accommodations. He is waiting to hear whether or not his employer is willing to accept and provide those accommodations. To help him get through this period of waiting we’d like to raise at least $4,500 through this GoFundMe campaign. Any help is greatly appreciated.