Hi, my name is Robert. My brother Brian was recently hospitalized with an aggressive NSTI (Necrotizing Soft Tissue Infection) in his leg. After having seen the doctor for what appeared to be a minor infection and fever, he was sent home with mild antibiotics. Unfortunately the antibiotics were ineffective and his infection began to get worse, his fever continued, and he was having increasing pain in his leg. Upon arrival at the hospital for a second time, the infection was spreading rapidly and he was taken in to emergency surgery within a few hours. The surgeon discovered a much more extensive infection than they initially believed, which had not only infected his leg, but his blood as well. After 2 hours of surgery they had to remove a large portion of the skin on his upper leg all the way down to his muscle. After spending the night in the Intensive Care Unit, he was informed that due to the extent of the infection, he would require at least two additional surgeries, possibly more. Over the next two days he had a surgery to remove more dead tissue each day, a three hour surgery followed by another two hour surgery. Fortunately the surgeries were successful, however he still remains in the ICU since arriving three days ago, and has many obstacles to overcome before he is recovered. The surgeon has informed us that he is not out of the woods yet, and may require even more surgery, as well as round the clock monitoring indefinitely. Our hopes is that he won’t require any more surgery and the infection is under control, which would allow him to move out of the ICU.

He has been extremely positive and in good spirits during this entire process, even while being in a lot of pain and suffering. This horrible experience has caused both Brian and his fiancée, Shawna, to miss work that they cannot afford to miss. Brian’s recovery will cause him and Shawna to miss even more work they cannot afford. Rent, food, gas, utilities, their car currently needing maintenance, what is expected to be very large medical bills, on top of it being the holidays. My nephew Emmett, Brian’s 11 year old son, has also been dealing with this. We have all been scared but hopeful that Brian will be able to make a full recovery.

A donation of any size is appreciated and helpful in so many ways. My brother is loved by so many people who know he would do the same were they in the same situation. If you can’t make a donation, please keep Brian and his family in your thoughts and prayers during this holiday season. Thank you for taking the time to read and if you donate thank you from the bottom of my heart.