A Tribute to Karl - Help for the Hollingsworths
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Folks, things can change in a blink of the eye. (I'm writing this at 8:30 pm 12/23/2019) I just set up this Gofundme a few hours ago. At that time, Karl had to be rushed to the hospital and is at UNC as I write this. The Hollingsworth family is facing a severe crisis. For the past 15 years, Karl has been very health conscious. Karl was in excellent health. He exercises daily and was very intentional about meeting his medical appointments.
In October, he started having discomfort in his stomach. After a couple of days, he spoke with his doctor, and the initial thought is that it was either acid reflux or an ulcer. But, things got progressively worse, and the doctor wanted to do a CAT scan. When the insurance company denied the procedure, we were devastated. Karl's doctor challenged the insurance denial and ultimately scheduled him for an ultrasound on 11/13. The ultrasound showed spots on his liver. It looked like cancer. He called me at work in a panic, and I left to join him.
The ultrasound results triggered the approval for a CAT scan, Karl bravely was taken down for the scan at 1:30 on the same day in Chapel Hill. By 5:00 pm, we got horrible news. The voice on the other end of the phone said that Karl had pancreatic cancer that had spread to his liver and lungs. The disease was in Stage 4. The doctor's tone was bleak, and he wanted him in the hospital that night.
After Karen and Karl could regain their composure, Karl decided to wait to talk to the boys, Aaren, age 21, Alex, age 18, and Aiden, age 11. We would get ourselves together and go to the hospital the next morning. When everyone was home, Karl told the boys and tried to be as reassuring as possible. But the boys were worried and afraid for him and what this meant for the future of our family. Karl asked us to leave it all in God's hands.
On 11/14, Karl went to UNC Hospital, and he had the first series of assessments done. Due to his pre-diagnosis health status, they released him to the home until they could complete the biopsy on Thursday, 11/21.
Then, there was another negative medical turn. On the evening of 11/20, Karl was taken to UNC Hospitals by ambulance. He had developed a blockage in his bile duct, which infected his blood and resulted in sepsis. He was in ICU and underwent surgery to clear the infection and allow him to recover.
Karl left the hospital on 11/25 to complete his recovery at home. We were able to celebrate Thanksgiving with family as he continues to regains his strength. His cancer treatments scheduled to begin on his birthday, December 6.
Through this process, we realize that due to an enrollment oversight, he will not be able to claim short term disability through his employer. This loss of income will have a tremendous impact on the family as we have a son in college, a second son heading to college, and a middle schooler. Not to mention the growing medical expenses and the possibility that I may need to miss time from work as his caregiver.
Things are very critical. But the reality is we need the help of family, friends, and strangers. Karl has a focus on getting well, but the truth is evident that this Christmas is going to be hard. Whatever you can do would be much appreciated.
Ed Clark
In October, he started having discomfort in his stomach. After a couple of days, he spoke with his doctor, and the initial thought is that it was either acid reflux or an ulcer. But, things got progressively worse, and the doctor wanted to do a CAT scan. When the insurance company denied the procedure, we were devastated. Karl's doctor challenged the insurance denial and ultimately scheduled him for an ultrasound on 11/13. The ultrasound showed spots on his liver. It looked like cancer. He called me at work in a panic, and I left to join him.
The ultrasound results triggered the approval for a CAT scan, Karl bravely was taken down for the scan at 1:30 on the same day in Chapel Hill. By 5:00 pm, we got horrible news. The voice on the other end of the phone said that Karl had pancreatic cancer that had spread to his liver and lungs. The disease was in Stage 4. The doctor's tone was bleak, and he wanted him in the hospital that night.
After Karen and Karl could regain their composure, Karl decided to wait to talk to the boys, Aaren, age 21, Alex, age 18, and Aiden, age 11. We would get ourselves together and go to the hospital the next morning. When everyone was home, Karl told the boys and tried to be as reassuring as possible. But the boys were worried and afraid for him and what this meant for the future of our family. Karl asked us to leave it all in God's hands.
On 11/14, Karl went to UNC Hospital, and he had the first series of assessments done. Due to his pre-diagnosis health status, they released him to the home until they could complete the biopsy on Thursday, 11/21.
Then, there was another negative medical turn. On the evening of 11/20, Karl was taken to UNC Hospitals by ambulance. He had developed a blockage in his bile duct, which infected his blood and resulted in sepsis. He was in ICU and underwent surgery to clear the infection and allow him to recover.
Karl left the hospital on 11/25 to complete his recovery at home. We were able to celebrate Thanksgiving with family as he continues to regains his strength. His cancer treatments scheduled to begin on his birthday, December 6.
Through this process, we realize that due to an enrollment oversight, he will not be able to claim short term disability through his employer. This loss of income will have a tremendous impact on the family as we have a son in college, a second son heading to college, and a middle schooler. Not to mention the growing medical expenses and the possibility that I may need to miss time from work as his caregiver.
Things are very critical. But the reality is we need the help of family, friends, and strangers. Karl has a focus on getting well, but the truth is evident that this Christmas is going to be hard. Whatever you can do would be much appreciated.
Ed Clark
Organizer
Vincent Edward Clark
Organizer
Bunnlevel, NC