Hi! We are Krista and Lisa, friends of Joe and Mary Lou Wettlaufer.

On February 3, 2023 sometime between 1 and 4 PM our friend Joe had a massive hemorrhagic stroke. On the morning of February 3rd Joe had been with Ryan working and checking in on Joe's beloved fur grandbabies Bently and Boomer before leaving Ryan's to go home for lunch and plow the snow before Mary Lou got home from work. He was successful in completing those tasks including perfectly parking the snowblower, lifting the blower and placing a block of wood underneath it. Joe did not complain of not feeling well throughout the morning either. Mary Lou returned home from work at approximately 4:15 to find Joe unresponsive on the couch in their home. Joe was rushed by ambulance to the hospital where he remains. The first couple of days were very frightening and not looking overly hopeful. But with faith in God, our medical system and Joe's feisty and strong demeanour, Joe has consistently been improving since Monday. Joe is currently working on achieving stability and once he achieves that stepping stone, he will be moved to the rehabilitation facility on-site at the hospital. It is reasonable to believe that Joe will remain there for many months.

We are fundraising to alleviate as much financial stress this unfortunate experience will, without doubt, have on Joe and Mary Lou, Ryan and Kendra. Multiple daily trips to the hospital and rehab, fuel, parking, lodging for bad weather, a new wardrobe for Joe to accommodate his new requirements while he recovers, meals and extras will have an impact causing financial strain.

Mary Lou will be taking a necessary leave from work to support Joe in his recovery.

It is also totally reasonable to expect that Mary Lou will need to find a single-level home.

We will appreciate whatever monetary contribution you can manage. We will also appreciate you keeping the Wettlaufer clan in your thoughts, positive and jovial conversation, and whatever spiritually based prayers you participate in.

With much gratitude,

Krista and Lisa