My name's Ben and I'm fundraising for my father, Jay Wickerham. On April 15th he was hospitalized for an adverse reaction he was having to the COVID 19 injection. This event had triggered a rare immune response called Miller-Fisher Syndrome (MFS). MFS (a rare variant of Guillian-Barre Syndrome) is a nerve disease where your immune system goes haywire and begins eating away at your nervous system.

His symptoms began with numb, tingling hands and impaired vision. When his speech started to go, he went to the hospital. By the end of the day he was suffering headaches, partial paralysis of the face, and further speech impairment. Things escalated quickly, losing additional reflex and motor function, including the ability to swallow or move freely. He's been in the ICU ever since, on feeding tube and ventilator for much of the time (for respiratory complications), including several extended periods under sedation. As of this writing, he's not been able to see or talk for over two weeks and is now a prisoner in his own body.

But there is HOPE. We know MFS can be treatable, survivable and recoverable. And more importantly, we know that we "can do all things through HIM who gives us strength" (Phil.4:13). We're going to beat this-- dad will beat this-- but it's going to be a long haul.

I've created this fundraising campaign to help my parents with the following:

• Medical expenses (the amount not covered is staggering)
• After care (again, the road to rehabilitation will be a long, uphill battle). We don't know where he'll have to go or what plan will be in place
• Legal Fees (if necessary)

I get the privilege of calling this guy "dad" (though really, he's "hero" to me). Others may know him as "Jay-bird", "Wick", "Wicker-dermist", uncle, brother, son, nephew, cousin, grandpa, hunting buddy, neighbor, caregiver, mentor, colleague, or most likely... FRIEND. For those of you lucky enough to have shared a campfire with him, you know his love of family, love of the outdoors, and his humble servant's heart. He gives a voice to the wilderness, provides a helping hand to those in need, and can fill up a room with his smile and laughter. Many that know him will agree that his talents for wildlife artistry and craftsmanship, displayed throughout his life's profession, are simply SURPASED by his compassion, dedication and loyalty.

So I'm calling on you, Jay's extended network, to join me in this fundraising campaign. If he has ever touched your life in any way, I'd encourage you to return a small offering by pledging your support. EVERY LITTLE BIT WILL HELP! Here is how you can help:

• Pray
• Pray bigger (for we don't serve a SMALL god!)
• Contribute financially
• Share this with others
• Hug your loved ones and let them know what they mean to you (for none of us know what tomorrow brings (James 4:14))