Jim Raub's Brain Injury Recovery Fund

Following Jim Raub’s serious cardiac event last month, his children have organized this GoFundMe to aid his wife, Rhoda. Jim is a man who sought every opportunity to serve his community and those around him. Everyone who has had the honor of meeting him knows he is a vibrant light who works hard to demonstrate God’s love through every interaction. Jim loves deeply, gives unconditionally, and is a friend to all. His family is tremendously grateful to all who have shown support during this time of need.

At 3 AM on June 24th, 2021, Rhoda found Jim unresponsive and without a pulse on their bathroom floor. She was able to perform life-saving CPR until the First Responders arrived, who were able to raise a pulse roughly 30 minutes later. Jim was rushed to Strong Memorial Hospital (Strong), where he remained on a ventilator in a coma for nearly three weeks. The first two weeks of Jim's stay at Strong were tough, and at times it seemed all hope was gone. However, Jim is a fighter, and by God’s grace, he has continued to make minor improvements almost every day.

In just the past week, Jim has slowly started waking up, his eyes are often open throughout the day, and he smiles when he sees and hears his loved ones close by. His recent progress has been intensely encouraging to his family. However, they acknowledge the long and arduous recovery ahead.

In the coming days, Jim will be discharged from Strong and transferred via ambulance to Sunnyview Rehabilitation Hospital in Schenectady, NY. Rhoda will accompany him to Schenectady and live in quarters nearby while Jim spends 4-5 hours in daily rehab. The goal is for Jim to progress enough to safely return to the comfort of his home and continue rehab with his family nearby.

After losing his job due to COVID-related downsizing in 2020, Jim had been working as an independent contractor prior to his accident. As with most contracting arrangements, Jim stopped earning income the day he was admitted into the ICU. Thankfully, he does have excellent health insurance, which will cover some of his medical expenses. However, he has no short or long-term disability insurance, which means Rhoda, with no income of her own, must pay any expenses that aren’t covered.

As the primary wage earner for several decades, Jim's job loss places a tremendous financial strain on Rhoda and the family. Jim has had an extended stay in the ICU, which is costly. On top of this, his three-hour ambulance transfer to Sunnyview will not be covered by insurance and will cost several thousand dollars. If the Doctors at Sunnyview recommend Jim stay and continue rehab beyond what his insurance will cover, Rhoda will be responsible for covering a $1500/day expense for Jim's rehab.

Funds raised in this campaign will help ensure that Rhoda can continue paying her bills while being present to support her husband as he receives the best care possible. The most optimistic view for Jim almost certainly entails several months of physical therapy, occupational therapy, home maintenance, and driver’s rehabilitation.

We have had many friends and family members reach out and ask how they can help support Rhoda financially. We elected to create this GoFundMe as an easy way to donate for those that choose to do so. If you are unable to donate, please consider sharing Jim’s story with your community.

Jim's connections are vast, whether it be to the individuals he has crossed paths with professionally, the close ties he developed in his church community or the bonds he shares with his family. It's safe to say that Jim has touched thousands over the years. Our family gratefully acknowledges the outpouring of support he has received from so many. The cards, meals, well wishes, and prayers that have been offered during this time are all welcome and remarkably healing. We trust God to continue working miracles in Jim’s mind and body, and we are so grateful for your continued support and prayers.