Bring Russ Home

My name is Lori McBride and I've created this gofundme page to raise funds to help pay for a medical emergency flight home for Russ Rieth.

Russ Rieth and his wife Linda are my daughter-in-law Meredith's parents, and my son Mike's father and mother in law. Great, great people!! A few short weeks ago, Russ and Linda went with a group of their friends on the trip of a lifetime to Amsterdam and France. They were having a fantastic time and making memories to last a lifetime when Russ rather suddenly became ill. Within a very short period of time he had to be hospitalized in Paris - and nearly 4 weeks later, he is still hospitalized in Paris.

It turns out that he contracted COVID that resulted in the development of bacterial pneumonia, sepsis, and a whole host of other complications. He has had to endure being on a ventilator. He has had to undergo dialysis to stop his organ systems from failing. Everytime he seems to be making progress, he has a setback which keeps him hospitalized in the ICU of a Paris hospital. He is strong and he is fighting hard. He wants to come home to Minnesota.

Linda has been with Russ at the hospital every moment that she can be during this crisis. She has had some company while there, but has been alone much of the time. She is staying strong and optimistic about the situation, but as you might imagine she is tired and wants to bring Russ home to continue his recovery. As soon as Russ is sufficiently stable and the doctors give the OK, a medical transport can be ready and waiting to assist them in the journey back to Minnesota. A private air ambulance was simply out of reach financially for the family but using an already scheduled commercial flight is a viable option, depending upon Russ' medical condition of course.

If you could make even a small donation to the "Bring Russ Home" fund it would be tremendously helpful and gratefully received. If you aren't able to make a donation, perhaps you can offer some prayers or words of encouragement for Russ and Linda. Thank you for your kindness and generosity.