In early May, our brother Craig suffered a stroke that affected his right side. He was in the hospital for a week and then moved to a rehabilitation facility for an additional 3 weeks. He was making great progress and learning to walk again when he became ill on June 19 and was rushed back to the hospital as he had no feeling from the chest down. During his time in the hospital, he endured a series of treatments to combat the rare virus that attacked his spinal cord. Craig remains hospitalized after almost 3 months and has not regained feeling in his lower extremities.

For those of you who do not know him personally, he owns an automotive body shop and is self-employed. He has not been able to work since the time of his stroke, and now he and his wife Deena are facing the financial burden of restructuring their home to accommodate this life-altering change, which includes the use of a motorized wheelchair. The current layout of their home contains several steps to get to the main level, so this will be an expensive undertaking which will include the need to build a ramp, replace existing doorways, retrofit the bathroom and widen areas of the home that will not fit the necessary equipment he will need for everyday tasks. In addition to the updates needed on their home, they will also be required to purchase a wheelchair accessible van so that they can transport him to medical appointments and for day-to-day living.

Craig and Deena have been very humbled through this experience and are resistant to requesting financial assistance. We are urging them to accept help as they will continue to incur expenses for long-term medical treatment not covered by insurance. Additionally, they have spent a significant amount on co-pays, deductibles, and gas for Deena’s daily trips to Madison. The financial impact is amplified by the reality that Craig will no longer be able to work.

We thank you for considering a donation in any amount to provide Craig with the quality of life that he deserves, and to help eliminate some of the stress Deena will endure as she takes on the role of a caregiver. If you cannot donate, please consider prayers for Craig and his family. Thank you again for listening to his story and please share it with others.

Christy, Patty, Lori and Lynn