Help me help Travis

I will start by saying I never in a million years thought that I would be in a position where I would have to do something like this. Ive spent the last few weeks really thinking about the best way to ask for help and how to communicate whats going on and none of the conclusions I have come to feel like the absolute right way to go but this seems to be the right next thing.

On June 7th a coworker of mine, Travis Henson, suffered a severe heart attack that turned his life upside down. It took first responders 45 mins to get his heart beating again, as a result, he was in a coma for 5 weeks, had multiple surgeries, and was in intensive therapy up until insurance discharged him prematurely on July 27th. As his primary caretaker, I've been doing everything I can to help him through this unimaginably difficult time, but I'm quickly realizing that I can't do it alone. Myself and Travis desperately need your support.

The heart attack caused Travis to stop breathing for an extended period and while he has made a significant recovery physically, cognitively he is operating at about 60% on good days. He spent several weeks in the hospital fighting for his life, but when it came time to discharge him his insurance company said they would not cover the step-down care facility he needed for his recovery. As a result Travis now lives entirely alone. Which for someone that struggles with memory, cooking, cleaning, paying bills and that can not drive or take care of any basic personal needs without help, its easy to see what a dilemma we have found ourselves in.

This premature discharge has placed an enormous amount of pressure on me. As his only nearby friend, who at the start of this was a work friend at best, I've had to take on the full-time role of coordinating Travis's therapy, in-home nursing care, doctors appointments, cleaning, shopping, paying bills, etc. It's been physically and emotionally draining, and I'm struggling to balance my own work and personal responsibilities with ensuring he gets the care he needs.

Even more heartbreaking is the fact that Travis has been estranged from his family for over 20 years. I have personally been in contact with his Aunt Joan who has been very supportive but as far as taking care of his immediate needs he has had to rely entirely on me. The medical costs have begun piling up and he is now quickly running out of money to cover basic living expenses like rent, food, and utilities.

Travis served in the Air Force, after which he worked the railroad for a handful of years until he ended up in management for Amazon where we would eventually meet. He is a kind, hardworking individual who loves to bake for others and is an avid golfer. He was on the golf course when he had the heart attack and had it not been for the quick thinking of a couple he was paired up with, he most certainly would not be here today. I can't imagine he ever expected to find himself in such a dire situation. None of us ever do. That being said, he has a long road to recovery ahead, and I'm doing everything in my power to make sure he gets the care he requires. But I can't do it alone. I'm asking for your help.

Any donation, large or small, will make a meaningful difference in Travis's ability to access the ongoing care and rehabilitation he needs. The funds raised will go directly towards his medical expenses, in-home care, and other essential costs.

Please consider contributing what you can to help me help him focus on his recovery without the added stress of financial worries. Your compassion and generosity could truly change the course of his life and help me provide him with the care he needs to make a full recovery.

Thank you for your support during this incredibly challenging time. I won't be able to get through this without the help of our community.