Help David Schut after his stroke

I am Sherry Schut Yoder, raising funds on behalf of my beloved brother, whom many of you know as worship leader and friend David Schut.  On November 12 while performing with Two Rivers Chorale, David suffered a massive stroke. Fortunately, he was quickly transported to Regions Hospital for emergency brain surgery.  After the procedure, the surgeon told David’s wife Virginia that he was only minutes from death.  He was in the ICU on a ventilator for 11 days, where he was occasionally responsive to verbal stimuli. David’s prognosis is unknown at this point, as he has not been consistently awake since the stroke.  

On November 23 David was transferred to Regency Hospital in Golden Valley, an acute long-term care hospital. He has shown progress in responding to voices and commands to give a "thumbs up" and blow a kiss to Virginia. As a gifted musician, he especially responds well to music. When we sing to him, he taps his fingers and moves his lips. He has not been able to speak because he still has a trach tube in his neck.  David has not moved the left side of his body since his stroke, which concerns us that long-term he may have issues with mobility.  This is a tragic loss for David as a gifted pianist as well as a self-supported house painter. Of course, we still hope for the best in his recovery from the stroke. 

Completely aside from medical bills, David and Virginia will face a huge loss of income because of his stroke.  None of us can guess when he may be able to return to work.  The good news is that he has both medical insurance and long-term disability insurance.  The disability insurance will take effect 90 days after the stroke and replace a portion of his income.  Virginia, who is an RN, recently started a new job and has little time off to spend with David. She must work in order to pay their living expenses.  We can’t begin to assess David’s precise financial need at this point, but it’s safe to say that they will lose tens of thousands in income, in addition to the significant coinsurance they will owe on their medical bills. 

We appreciate any donation you can make towards David’s medical bills and his and Virginia’s living expenses.  Please forward this request to any friends who may want to support this important need.  In time to come we may share ways you can support the family beyond financial contributions.  Thanks to all for your love, prayers and emotional support!