Ret. firefighter/Vietnam Vet lost a leg
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***This is a great cause - a very proud retired firefighter has lost his leg and for the first time in his life NEEDS HELP!!! Please won't you take a moment to help someone that has devoted his life to helping others.. a retired firefighter, Vietnam Vet and a former US Army drill sergeant. My dad is an amazing guy - a devoted husband, father, grandfather and brother who has died - twice - and has managed to fight his way back to us both times. Please. Can you find it in your heart to help?? Every little bit helps. <3***
If you would prefer to send a donation through the mail: please email me at [email redacted] and I will be happy to provide the information to you. :)
***My dad and mom are Joseph and Elizabeth Barbarow. They got married September 1972. (just celebrated 41 years of marriage!!!) He joined the Newport Fire Department on February 6, 1976. He gave many years of service "“ never fearing for his own life but always going out of his way to help a person in need. My dad retired from the department on June 13, 2003.
Fast forward a few years: Dad my dad got sick. After being admitted and having many tests, he coded on the table after a test. He died that day. They revived him, put him on a ventilator in the ICU and he lost part of his foot but he came home to us.
Fast forward again to 2013. He still continued to have problems with that foot even after the amputation. He developed an ulcer. We did everything possible: doctor appointments, surgery's and having a wound vac put on the foot. We did have a nurse visit every few days but the majority of the care was on mom and myself 24 hours a day 7 days a week. Dad just got sicker but he did not want to go to the hospital. He said if he was going to die he was going to die at home. My father was completely bed ridden at this point. Finally on the morning of August 12, 2013 we removed the wound vac to change the dressing only to discover that the wound had turned gangrene in less than 48 hours. We immediately called the rescue and he was brought to the ER who transferred him to the trauma center. We were told he had hours to live. He was in septic shock. His leg had to be amputated to save his life and there was no guarantee he would survive the surgery. Mom and I spent a long night praying. They almost lost him again during surgery. Thankfully we had an amazing surgeon, anesthesiologist and a whole lot of prayers. Most importantly my dad didn't give up. He made in through minus one leg. He was in the hospital over a month. He has been home a few months now and is trying to relearn walking with his new prosthetic leg.
My parents have never turned anyone away who needed their help "“ ever. Christmas presents for those in need, donating money to the ASPCA and Wounded Warriors (my dad is a Vietnam Vet and retired drill sergeant.) But now, my dad is the one who needs help. Medical bills are piling up; things that were covered including his prosthetic leg ($15000.00!! AND it only lasts 3 to 5 years!!!) are being told that they are not covered now. (How do you tell someone here is your new leg..oops we are taking it back cause your insurance doesn't cover it now!!!!?! ) The house needs ramps for dad's wheelchair, railings, a handicap bathtub and just making the house more accessible and easier for him.
So I am asking for two amazing people that have been through hell and back, have never asked for help, NEVER turned anyone away and REALLY need some help right now. I never want them to feel like they don't deserve the best in life because they do. They don't think that there is any reason people would help them.. but I do. AND IF THERE IS ANYTHING THAT I CAN DO TO HELP THEM, I HAVE TO KEEP ON TRYING. I am not ready to give up even if he doesn't think he's worth it. I do. Thank you for any help -donations, sharing of page or even just a prayer. It means the world to me.
EVERY LITTLE BIT HELPS. Thank you <3<3
If you would prefer to send a donation through the mail: please email me at [email redacted] and I will be happy to provide the information to you. :)
***My dad and mom are Joseph and Elizabeth Barbarow. They got married September 1972. (just celebrated 41 years of marriage!!!) He joined the Newport Fire Department on February 6, 1976. He gave many years of service "“ never fearing for his own life but always going out of his way to help a person in need. My dad retired from the department on June 13, 2003.
Fast forward a few years: Dad my dad got sick. After being admitted and having many tests, he coded on the table after a test. He died that day. They revived him, put him on a ventilator in the ICU and he lost part of his foot but he came home to us.
Fast forward again to 2013. He still continued to have problems with that foot even after the amputation. He developed an ulcer. We did everything possible: doctor appointments, surgery's and having a wound vac put on the foot. We did have a nurse visit every few days but the majority of the care was on mom and myself 24 hours a day 7 days a week. Dad just got sicker but he did not want to go to the hospital. He said if he was going to die he was going to die at home. My father was completely bed ridden at this point. Finally on the morning of August 12, 2013 we removed the wound vac to change the dressing only to discover that the wound had turned gangrene in less than 48 hours. We immediately called the rescue and he was brought to the ER who transferred him to the trauma center. We were told he had hours to live. He was in septic shock. His leg had to be amputated to save his life and there was no guarantee he would survive the surgery. Mom and I spent a long night praying. They almost lost him again during surgery. Thankfully we had an amazing surgeon, anesthesiologist and a whole lot of prayers. Most importantly my dad didn't give up. He made in through minus one leg. He was in the hospital over a month. He has been home a few months now and is trying to relearn walking with his new prosthetic leg.
My parents have never turned anyone away who needed their help "“ ever. Christmas presents for those in need, donating money to the ASPCA and Wounded Warriors (my dad is a Vietnam Vet and retired drill sergeant.) But now, my dad is the one who needs help. Medical bills are piling up; things that were covered including his prosthetic leg ($15000.00!! AND it only lasts 3 to 5 years!!!) are being told that they are not covered now. (How do you tell someone here is your new leg..oops we are taking it back cause your insurance doesn't cover it now!!!!?! ) The house needs ramps for dad's wheelchair, railings, a handicap bathtub and just making the house more accessible and easier for him.
So I am asking for two amazing people that have been through hell and back, have never asked for help, NEVER turned anyone away and REALLY need some help right now. I never want them to feel like they don't deserve the best in life because they do. They don't think that there is any reason people would help them.. but I do. AND IF THERE IS ANYTHING THAT I CAN DO TO HELP THEM, I HAVE TO KEEP ON TRYING. I am not ready to give up even if he doesn't think he's worth it. I do. Thank you for any help -donations, sharing of page or even just a prayer. It means the world to me.
EVERY LITTLE BIT HELPS. Thank you <3<3
Organizer
Kathi Marks
Organizer
Bucksport, ME
