Hey everyone! Our Grandma, Corkie has been losing the ability to walk for over a year without any explanation. She has been in a wheelchair since October 2021 and has lost the use of her legs and feet. Our Grandpa, Jim has taken on all the household duties as well as taking care of grandma. Although he has many of his own medical issues, he has been doing a wonderful job. Friday, we took grandma to her appointment to receive many urgent test results. This appointment did not go well, we were instructed to take her right to the ER at Northern Nevada Medical Center where she would be admitted. Her spine was unstable, and she was not safe to return home as any wrong move could premaritally paralyze her. Everything happened so quickly.  She was seen by a Trauma Spinal Orthopedic Surgeon who explained the details and plan moving forward. 

Grandma will have 2 very large back surgeries with the first one being Thursday night (12/23), followed by the ICU and another surgery Sunday (12/24) or Saturday night (12/25). This will be followed by 7 more days in the hospital and another 4 weeks in a rehabilitation facility. This will all take place in Reno, NV 80 miles from their home. This has quickly turned their lives upside down. There is a winter storm warning through the end of the year. Daily travel can be impossible and unsafe. Travel and hotel expenses for 6 or more weeks are overwhelming at best. Hotels are also more expensive during the holiday season. We are humbly trying to raise money to help our Grandpa stay in Reno with Grandma and remove this huge financial burden from his plate.   

Our grandparents aren’t typically the type to ask for help, as a matter of fact knowing we are doing this is very hard for our grandpa. However, they have always been there for us when we needed them as kids and adults. Anything that is donated will help with travel and hotel costs for Grandpa. 

If you don’t feel comfortable donating on this platform, please reach out to one of us directly. Most importantly please help us by praying and surrounding them with love! Please also share their story.   

We are thankful for each of you.  

Corkie and Jim’s grandkids, and their families - Nicholas, Brandon, and Austin