Patrick's Home Stretch Fund

My name is Steve Dennis and I live in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Many of you know that my brother, Patrick Dennis, has been hospitalized in Florida since last Fall. Yes, you read that right—“last Fall!” Shortly after the eye of Hurricane Ian went over their house, Patrick and his wife Patty began to notice that his appetite was gone and that he was losing weight. To make a VERY long story short, Patrick was found to have acquired an infection that ultimately spread to several organs, including his heart. Following heart valve replacement surgery, a host of complications (e.g., sepsis, kidney failure, etc.) left him hospitalized for months. Despite several attempts at physical rehabilitation, Patrick has had a series of “hospital-caused” setbacks, requiring additional surgeries and Herculean efforts to restore his health. This weekend, at long last, he will be going home—but he still has a long road ahead for anything close to a return to normalcy.

For any of you who have been hospitalized for any extended period of time—just imagine what it would feel like to spend TEN MONTHS in hospitals. Not very pleasant, right? Now imagine the expense. Fortunately, much of Patrick’s care has been “covered” in one way or another, but just getting him back to being able to walk and to perform everyday tasks at home is going to require additional “out-of-pocket” expenses that are not covered by insurance.

Patrick is a very proud person and would be the last one to ask for any help. He and Patty are so grateful for the many who have kept them in their prayers through this difficult time. Patrick is also the toughest, most stubborn S.O.B. I have every known to have made it this far toward recovery. Many of his caretakers have told him (with tears in their eyes) that they did not expect him to survive his ordeal—they have told him not many have made it through all that he has been through.

Will you help Patrick and Patty in this “home stretch”? Will you forward this huge “ask” to others who may know Patrick and Patty? The goal is admittedly an ambitious one—but it will help them get through this transition to home care. No amount is too small. Thank you so much.

Steve Dennis