Our family is facing a difficult situation. On Sunday, July 20th, Richard suffered a catastrophic illness. He experienced a bowel obstruction, 3 surgeries in 3 days, became septic, and has developed an antibiotic-resistant form of pneumonia. Rich has been in the ICU, on life support/ventilator for 22 days. He is now extubated and breathing on his own, but remains very weak and very ill. They have found an antibiotic that will hopefully wipe out the pneumonia. Rich has lost 50 lbs, is very weak, and has fevers ranging between normal and 104.7.

If you know Rich, he absolutely lit up a room, cracked jokes, is the ultimate salesman, and has the biggest heart in the world. He will be the first to step up and help anyone in need. Rich is one of the owners and the primary daily manager for Jory’s Flowers in Concord.

Rich will have a very long road to recovery. He is on day 24 of his hospitalization, his surgical wounds will need many weeks to months for proper healing, and his pneumonia is very aggressive, but he is working very hard to cough and clear out his lungs.

We expect Rich to absolutely recover, walk, talk, and laugh again; however, this is a marathon, not a sprint. Rich will need extensive inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation, nursing care, and a wide range of medical equipment when he finally comes home (not all covered by insurance). With Rich not working, and I am unable to leave him, we have no funds coming in, but plenty of hospital bills, monthly household bills, and a daughter in her final months of college. Although Rich has insurance, it will not cover approximately 10-30% of the costs.

Your support would mean the world to us. The costs are overwhelming - physically, emotionally, and financially. Everyone has been so supportive, and all of your prayers have been so deeply appreciated. Friends have brought the kids and me dinner, brought me lunch and a tea every afternoon, helped with our dog, watered our yard, and been my shoulder to cry on when the path was looking not so bright. I am forever in your debt for your love and support during this terrible time.

From the bottom of my heart, I am eternally grateful for any help you can provide. Please share Rich’s story with anyone you can. Help us give Rich the care he needs to return to his life, his family, and his job. Please help me stay afloat while I help nurse Rich hopefully back to his old amazing self.

With love,

Val