We are Wayne’s daughters, Stephanie and Danielle. Our goal, hope, and prayers, are that this fundraiser will reduce the severe financial burden Long Covid has created.

The short version:

In October of 2020, like many, our dad caught COVID-19. His life was forever changed. He, along with 18 million other Americans, has been left with a debilitating cluster of symptoms knows as Long Covid. This virus has permanently damaged his lungs, heart, brain and nervous system. He is severely limited in his ability to work (or run and operate his small business) and is in the middle of the long, soul-sucking process of applying, being denied, and reapplying for disability.

Many may know that this is not dad’s first go around with chronic illness. Twenty-four years ago, his body was attacked by a virus that took him from a completely healthy, super competitive and athletic man, to being unable to care for himself. At that time, he was denied for disability benefits, he and mom had to file for medical bankruptcy, lost their vehicles, all their savings, and dad’s teachers’ retirement.

Due to the major financial toll of the last two years, dad and mom need your financial help. They are behind in paying for bills, have incurred substantial credit card debt, and have no savings to use.

The longer version:

Here we are again. Long Covid has only amplified his previous chronic illnesses (rheumatoid arthritis, neuropathy, mental illness) and added severe breathing issues, extreme exhaustion, cognitive issues, tremors, and has sent him into deep bouts of depression. Balance and walking are difficult if not impossible most days due to the neuropathy in his feet. He’s been hospitalized twice since his initial diagnosis of Covid and most recently needed to have a pacemaker put in due to the heart damage it’s caused. Dad is currently being tested for Parkinson’s Disease due to the progressive nature of the tremors. His doctors have been working hard to manage his symptoms, but his body will never fully recover from the damage.

On the outside, dad may look healthy, but once you spend some time with him, you’ll realize what a toll his medical diseases have taken on his quality of life.

Dad’s team of 20+ doctors have agreed that he is not only no longer able to work, he should NOT be working. He has applied, once again, for disability insurance. Every day that there is not an update on his status, is another day that past due bills are left unpaid.

The body and the mind work in tandem. Stress only exacerbates symptoms of any chronic illness. The stress of waking up each day not knowing if your body will cooperate or betray you. The stress of each day knowing you need to make money to pay bills but you can’t get out of bed. The stress each day of wondering if you can muster up enough energy to get to your necessary doctor’s appointments. Let’s help him alleviate that stress!

Our Dad:

Some of you know our dad as their college/high school basketball coach, high school track coach, or athletic director. Maybe he was your high school business or PE teacher. Some of you may have been employed by his drywall and painting or sign-making businesses.

If you know our dad, you know he will give you the shirt off his back, even when he doesn’t have another to put on. All we can say is that dad is a loving, generous man who has impacted lives through his teaching and coaching. He needs your help.

He likes to be the one helping others but instead is asking for help.

Dad says, ‘I’m so thankful for the support from my kids, my wife, my family and friends – without them I may not be here today.’

We are so grateful for your consideration.

Learn More:

For those who want to learn more about Long Covid, we invite you to read anything written by medical journalist and Pulitzer Prize winner Ed Yong. Here are two starter articles, Long-Haulers Are Redefining COVID-19 , and Long COVID Has Forced a Reckoning for One of Medic ine’s Most Neglected Diseases.