On Labor Day 2024, Chuck suffered a massive hemorrhagic stroke. As a result, Chuck had a craniectomy (brain surgery) and was temporarily paralyzed and in a coma for over two weeks. Chuck remained in hospitals and in-patient care units for a total of 3 and 1/2 months while he slowly regained the ability to use his hands, arms, legs, and speech. Chuck spent an additional several months going to outpatient physical therapy at United Hospital.

Only a few months prior to his stroke, Chuck had started a new position with Securian Financial. Fortunately, Chuck had health insurance through his employer, as well as some short-term and long-term disability insurance as his medical bills have exceeded $1,000,000 following the stroke. While Chuck has been able to regain some of his physical abilities, his vision was impacted by the stroke and he hasn't been cleared to drive again. Chuck also continues to deal with some mental functioning challenges as a result of the traumatic injury to his brain.

Because he was not able to timely return to work, he lost his position with Securian Financial and it's not clear when he may be able to return to work or in what capacity. In spite of his insurance and disability coverage, Chuck's medical bills in 2024 and 2025 have required him to pay out of pocket for the full amount of his annual deductibles and it's anticipated that will happen again in 2026. Because he can't drive, Chuck had to pay out of pocket for Uber/Lyft rides to most of his appointments in St. Paul (sometimes having those travel expenses from his home in Oakdale two times per week for a few months).

For those who know him, Chuck is a proud and independent person and it has taken some time to convince him that it's okay to ask for financial help through GoFundMe. His disability income is much less than his regular salary and won't continue forever. The financial stresses have finally become great enough that Chuck has given us the green light to ask for help on his behalf.

Funds raised will be used for past due medical bills not covered by insurance, future medical bills related to his recovery, help meeting his day-to-day living expenses, as well as for any ongoing rideshare expenses to future medical or job training sessions.

Chuck has been a long-time friend to many, a son, brother, uncle, and great-uncle, and has always been known for his sense of humor and commitment to his friends. Any donation, no matter how small, will make a huge difference. Please consider sharing this page to help spread the word.

Thank you from Chuck, his family, and friends!