Our dad’s story…

On November 15, 2020, our dad, Jon Cook Sr, was rushed to the ER after experiencing two cardiac arrests that led to him being placed in a medically induced coma. For weeks, Jon fought for his life and slowly gained mobility and the strength to breathe with minimal medical support. Every staff member in Kaiser's ICU that cared for our dad agreed that it was a miracle that he made it past the first week.

After 7 months in the hospital and many answered prayers, dad was transferred to a Respiratory Rehabilitation Center. While in the hospital, a tracheal tube was inserted, so Jon could fully breathe on his own. Currently, Jon has a few crucial steps in order for him to return home. He is working on gaining strength in his lungs to be able to put a "speaking valve" into his trach, so his lungs can continue to strengthen. This has been a challenge due to the pressure placed on his lungs when the valve is inserted. He has actually gotten up to a few hours every couple of days! One of his favorite things to do when he has his speaking valve in is to call his grand kids and follow up with Mary on everyone's tax returns! He is also working on walking on his own, which has been a very painful process due to the atrophy in his muscles.

The outpouring of love, prayer, and concern has been so comforting and a source of strength for our family. We have had SO many old and new friends of Jon reach out to him and ask how they can support him and his family.

Before this medical emergency happened, my parents were planning to retire and have been saving for years to make that happen. Unfortunately, this has taken a massive financial toll on our family.

After 90 days of care, dad’s rehabilitation insurance coverage ran out. All the years of Jon and Lynn's planning and dreaming for the future came crashing down, at the realization of the small print in their insurance policy. For the last year and a half, my parents have had to incur all the costs of the aftercare facility. They have paid over $575,000 in that period to provide him with consistent care. At this point, my parents are in a critical place financially to keep up with my dads 24 hr medical care.

For our entire life, our father has been the most giving man we know. We have started this page because we know that many of you would want to be a support and blessing to Jon and Lynn in making a financial contribution to our dad's care and medical costs. We thank you in advance for any donation you can give! We will be posting regular updates on this page to keep you guys up to date on our dad’s journey.

Please feel free to share a link to this page on your social media!

Jon's Prayer List to return home

1. Keep his speaking valve in for 48 hours straight

2. No ventilator support at night

3. Regain enough strength in his arms and lower body to get out of bed and walk on his own

4. Reduction of fluid buildup in his lungs

If you want to sent our dad a card of encouragement you can send to the tax office and we will get it to him:

Jon Cook

9036 Reseda Blvd Suite 203

Northridge, CA 91324

Thank you for your continued prayer & love for our family!

Reggie & Mary Mercado

Jon & Zerlene Cook

& all the grandkids