Next Phase: Continuation of Rehab
Donation protected
On April 13, while we were on vacation in Los Angeles, Lawrence suffered a major stroke. He was admitted to UCLA Ronald Reagan Medical Center in the Trauma/Neuro ICU. The doctors began to run test after test, all the while still not really understanding why he had the stroke...just knowing that it affected his brain stem.
But God!!! Since then, Lawrence has been making great improvement. His cognitive abilities are intact. The journey got a little easier on May 6 when we were able to return home to SC, through the generosity of UCLA and Angel Med Flight.
On May 6, we began the next phase at Vibra Hospital in Mt. Pleasant, SC. The first day at Vibra, the rehab director and case manager both stated they thought Lawrence would be a perfect candidate for the Shepherd Center in Atlanta. After being at Vibra for 2 weeks and 2 days, Lawrence is now a patient at the Shepherd Center in Atlanta, the southeast's leading brain and spinal cord injury facility and one of the only two facilities like it in the country. It's been estimated that his "initial" rehab at Shepherd will be a couple of months; however the inpatient rehab portion could be longer. Once discharged, he will move on to yet another phase of his healing, rehab, and recovery. That phase consists of at home supports and rehab provided by an in-home health care provider.
As a result, I have not returned to work. I am not eligible for FMLA because I did not start my current job until October 19. I have not received consistent pay since the end of April (subs had to be paid out of my pay) however, my pay will resume the end of June until August. Lawrence's insurance pays for everything he needs except what will be needed once he leaves Shepherd Center and begins the next phase of his recovery. Our case management has estimated that the out of pocket expenses incurred will be in the neighborhood of $25,000 for his continued at home treatment. These funds will help with providing in home supports while I work to pay the regular family bills, bridging the anticipated financial gap while Lawrence completes ALL phases of therapy.
Our family is so thankful for all of the cards, emails, phone calls, texts, and visits. The encouragement and support gives us strength! Thank you for any and all continued financial contributions, cards, emails, phone calls, texts, and visits. Thank you.
But God!!! Since then, Lawrence has been making great improvement. His cognitive abilities are intact. The journey got a little easier on May 6 when we were able to return home to SC, through the generosity of UCLA and Angel Med Flight.
On May 6, we began the next phase at Vibra Hospital in Mt. Pleasant, SC. The first day at Vibra, the rehab director and case manager both stated they thought Lawrence would be a perfect candidate for the Shepherd Center in Atlanta. After being at Vibra for 2 weeks and 2 days, Lawrence is now a patient at the Shepherd Center in Atlanta, the southeast's leading brain and spinal cord injury facility and one of the only two facilities like it in the country. It's been estimated that his "initial" rehab at Shepherd will be a couple of months; however the inpatient rehab portion could be longer. Once discharged, he will move on to yet another phase of his healing, rehab, and recovery. That phase consists of at home supports and rehab provided by an in-home health care provider.
As a result, I have not returned to work. I am not eligible for FMLA because I did not start my current job until October 19. I have not received consistent pay since the end of April (subs had to be paid out of my pay) however, my pay will resume the end of June until August. Lawrence's insurance pays for everything he needs except what will be needed once he leaves Shepherd Center and begins the next phase of his recovery. Our case management has estimated that the out of pocket expenses incurred will be in the neighborhood of $25,000 for his continued at home treatment. These funds will help with providing in home supports while I work to pay the regular family bills, bridging the anticipated financial gap while Lawrence completes ALL phases of therapy.
Our family is so thankful for all of the cards, emails, phone calls, texts, and visits. The encouragement and support gives us strength! Thank you for any and all continued financial contributions, cards, emails, phone calls, texts, and visits. Thank you.
Organizer
Dana Thompson
Organizer
Summerville, SC
