Kenny’s Skilled Nursing Care

In this photo with me is my little brother, Kenneth Kirwan, Jr.  He has served almost 8 years of a 20-year prison sentence.   At the age of 19, almost 20, his life was forever changed from what amounted to a week or so of bad decisions with the wrong people. He was shot twice in the back by responding police, which has left him paralyzed from the waste down.

Because of the prison system’s inadequate care, he's endured bed sores that have not healed in almost 8 years, toxicity build-up in his system and neurological complications that intermittently impact his speech and cognitive functions...to name a few things. The Department of Corrections has not been equipped to tend to his healthcare needs long-term, and they have proven this over the years. He has an opportunity now to receive a Conditional Medical Release from prison that we hope the State of Florida approves. My family has fought for this for a long time so that he can receive the care he needs. 

A bright light in his story is that he was baptized while incarcerated and has regularly shared his faith while in prison. However, his internal light has started to dim over the past few months. That is why we need the Conditional Medical Release to be approved.

The prison instructed us to find a Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF) in Florida that would accept him before they would request that the state grant a medical release. After months of searching , we found a  SNF willing to accept him.  We also found a healthcare agency willing to help with half of the first 30 days of Kenny’s time at the SNF.  The full first 30 days will cost $30,000, so the family is are responsible for the rest which will cost $15,000.  

We are applying for Medicaid but the process takes a long time and won’t kick in for some time, maybe months, IF he is approved.  Because of an antiquated 1980 law, he is also not eligible for Social Security/Disability, although we are appealing for an exception. There are no guarantees. Lastly, after leaving the SNF, he will still need specialized care, lifelong rehabilitation and special equipment for his paralysis and accompanying complications.

We truly want PRAYERS most of all. But many friends and family members have asked how to give monetarily, so the family has set up this GoFundMe page.

Thank you all so much for your caring love and concern!

Love,

The Kirwan and Brizz family