Help Loretta as she recovers from a Cerebellar Stroke!

My name is Kimberly, my brother and I are here to raise money for my parents, Jim and Loretta Verbout. They have both always been active in the Southern Minnesota community.

On April 3, 2022, Loretta began to have issues with her balance and was not feeling well. She was transported by ambulance to the emergency room later that afternoon. We learned that Loretta had a Cerebellar Stroke, which only affects about 3% of people. Commonly strokes affect the left or right side and usually result in paralysis or loss of motor function. Weight and muscle loss were expected with being on bed rest and having many issues with feeding tubes. Loretta has been on and off feeding tubes since the stroke and will remain for an undetermined amount of time. Another significant result of her stroke, her esophagus is paralyzed, making her unable to consume regular foods by mouth.

Then six days later, she returned by ambulance due to another similar stroke event. Thankfully it was not another stroke. Unfortunately, at some point, Loretta had a trauma to the back of her left, resulting in a hematoma. A small spot became swelling in the whole leg within hours and began developing another hematoma on the right leg. Loretta had to have multiple blood transfusions, and there was great concern she would die.

Loretta had requested no one be told what was happening. It was not until June that Loretta posted about her ordeal online; later, Jim posted this to his Facebook page, “…life is an adventure with various challenges. We are fortunate to have had a good life, enjoyed family along the way, and have a wonderful 11-month-old granddaughter. We continue to live life day by day.”

At no time did they ask for assistance from family or friends. When serious medical events surprise us, they can both not work, resulting in severe strain on their finances. Now that Loretta has been home, Jim is now her full-time caretaker; therefore, he is unable to work, and it is unlikely for Loretta to be able to return to work. As a result, our children are asking for financial support for their monthly expenses. Just as important, while Loretta is on her tube feedings, Jim still needs to meet his nutritional needs. Jim has diabetes and therefore has his own dietary needs. They are getting paperwork and finding community food banks, but sometimes the food he needs is unavailable.

As of mid-June, Loretta is settling into a routine and becoming more confident daily. I love to see her smile and be able to hear her talk. Jim wrote, “...Loretta is a fighter and motivated to progress with her stamina and swallowing.” She is happy to be outside on the deck and walking around the block. Loretta is walking with the assistance of a four-wheel walker with a seat. Loretta and Jim have had much emotional support from family and friends. We thank them for reaching out, well wishes, and a few short visits. They are in good spirits but financially could use extra help with medical bills and ongoing living expenses.

“Everyone needs a hand to help them through hard times; this is our way of reaching out to ask for that compassion.”- Brandon Verbout-Kveene