On November 29, David Gangloff suffered multiple strokes on both the left and right side of his brain. After 27 days in three different hospitals, the doctors and medical teams performing multiple complex tests, x-rays, consultations, and diagnoses are still unable to determine the cause of the strokes. Their conclusion is that David is a medical mystery and the doctors can offer no conclusive medical reason for the strokes. The strokes have left David with considerable deficits that affect both the left and right side of his body, as well as his mind and eyesight. David’s current limitations and incapacities will affect every aspect of his daily life, and he will require substantial daily assistance.

David is currently in rehab at Good Samaritan Hospital in Puyallup. The schedule will be for the aggressive rehab therapy to conclude on January 16th. Upon discharge, David will initially require a significant level of in-home care. Since the doctors have not been able to find a cause for David’s strokes, David’s family will be seeking alternative medical care in order to hopefully determine the cause of the strokes and prevent more strokes from occurring.

A little about David…

David served as a Seattle area garbage truck driver with Waste Management. After 30+ years behind the wheel, David retired eight years ago. David married Renee in 1995. David had four children, and Renee had four children. David and Renee’s early married life was somewhat of a “Brady Bunch” experience. Together they supported eight children with their single-family income. The eight children, all adults now, have a great love and admiration for David. David and Renee are blessed with 17 beautiful grandchildren and one more on the way. The entire extended Gangloff family has poured out their love and has been and will continue to be a tremendous support to Grandma and Grandpa in the challenges of dealing with David’s stroke and recovery.

David and Renee spent years saving, scrimping, and bargain shopping so David could take an early retirement. The garbage man job was very hard on him physically. They accomplished that goal, and retired life was good! David is a talented handyman and fixer-upper. His grandkids say, “Grandpa can fix anything!” David would maintain his own cars plus family and friends’ vehicles. David was always finding ways to save money by scrounging and repurposing materials, creating his own parts, and finding ways to cut costs and save money on all types of household repairs and improvements. David’s philosophy is “Why buy something new when you can fix the old one?” or “Why pay someone big bucks when you can do it yourself?”

Like most families, one thing David and Renee never expected or planned for was a long-term medical tragedy. In the real world of finances, David and Renee make too much money to qualify for any medical financial assistance but not enough to feel secure having to personally fund David’s medical requirements after suffering these life-altering strokes. David and Renee will need to hire in-home care assistance until David is able to return to his normal activities of daily living. Additionally, they will need to pay the cost of the alternate medical services out of pocket, as they are committed to doing this in their continued search to find answers that the traditional medical care system has been unable to provide. Such alternative medical services are not covered by Medicare Insurance or the Medicare Supplements.

It is important to know that both David and Renee, along with family members, are standing strong in their faith during this trial. They are trusting God for David’s complete recovery. They know that God works through the hands of the men and women that are tending to David’s needs. But as the scriptures declare, God is the healer! While healing is not always quick and not always easy, it is a promise that David and his family are holding onto as they pray for healing, strength, and direction in this challenging time for David.

If you feel compelled and would like to help David and Renee on David’s journey to recovery, please consider donating to help with the out-of-pocket expenses. The funds will be used toward the in-home medical care and the alternative medical expenses in their effort to determine the cause and cure for the strokes. No matter the amount, it will all be appreciated along with your love and prayers for David.

"Family and Friends of David Gangloff"