King's Need You Now

The King family, Robin and Chuck, are in need of your help. As dedicated members of the Salem community for their married lifetime, they have served the area taking care of others as first responders. Both worked selfless jobs: Robin as an RN at Carilion Hospital for 15 years and Chuck as a Lieutenant with the Salem Police Department for 26 1/2 years. Robin's life has been devoted to caring for her family as well as her patients rendering the most loving and tender care for them. They are faithful members of Lakeside Baptist Church in Salem and have shown the qualities of just giving of themselves. Today they need your help.

Robin began experiencing severe leg pains on Friday 9/22 and the pain increased over the weekend. She saw her family physician on 9/25 where she was provided medication for her leg. The pain continued to worsen over the night and she returned again for treatment in which she was provided another medication for the issue. She again returned home and the pain continued to worsen. On Wednesday she became disoriented and in severe pain. She was taken to the emergency room by rescue services. While waiting in the ER for 7-8 hours her condition continued to worsen and she had no control over her legs at all. After an MRI and CT it was determined that she had an abscess or severe infection on her spinal cord and had to have emergency surgery. The infection was removed from her spine and she was informed that there was damage to her spinal cord and at most she would be confined to a wheelchair for the rest of her life. Robin is paralyzed from the chest down. She was released from the hospital and transferred to another hospital for rehabilitation on 10/5. The family is hoping for her to be able to return home with some quality of life and the possibility of at least being in a wheelchair.

Medical expenses will be devastating and at this time there is uncertainty about insurance coverage.

Robin has had 6 spinal surgeries over the last several years and was forced to leave her job as an RN due to being disabled two years ago. Chuck is the sole provider for the household. Currently the Kings have been the primary care providers for Robin's mother who is living with them. Between caring for Robin and her mother Chuck is unable to continue employment temporarily. Chuck is currently a tractor trailer driver which keeps him on the road for 14 hour work days 5-6 days a week. In order for him to return to work he will need help in all manners of care including; medical needs, food prep, house care, etc. Also, for Robin to come home at the end of rehabilitation, the home will have to be renovated completely handicap accessible. Any assistance in any of these areas would also be greatly appreciated.

The King family is so very humble and while they would not ordinarily seek donations, it is recognized that it is only through your help that they will have the best chance to make it through this difficult and life altering experience. The rehabilitation costs and life adjustments will be insurmountable. Your contribution and prayers will have a significant impact. God bless!