Hi, this is the family of Rod Ensz reaching out to inform all family and friends of our Dads year thus far for 2022. What a crazy, scary chain of events our Dad has been through! It's difficult to know where to begin, so here's a summary of events. In late January 2022, Dad slipped on the ice and fell. In early February Dad had an MRI of his lumbar spine which revealed spinal stenosis along with the L-4 vertebrae being crushed. Steroid injections, an Ambulance ride to the ER with absolutely no pain relief, in fact, a severe decline in Dad's ability to even sit, stand or walk. The family made the decision to take Dad to Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN. Sioux Falls Fire Rescue loaded Dad in the back of his suburban and we arrived at St. Mary's Hospital in Rochester, Thursday, March 31st. All of Dad's symptoms immediately prompted the physicians to get an MRI and CAT scan of his thoracic spine. Test results showed severe decompression of his spinal cord at T-8 and T-9. Doctors said Dad was days away from being paralyzed from mid-chest down. Emergency surgery to release the decompression of the spinal cord was completed on Saturday, April 2, 2022. On Sunday, April 3, 2022, Dad underwent a second surgery to release the spinal stenosis of his lumbar spine. Dad has a very long road of recovery and rehabilitation ahead of him as he learns how to walk, sit and stand up again with 12 screws and 4 rods now in his back.

Along with healing and recovery come multiple trips for continued care, follow-up visits, travel expenses, meals, and lodging. It is with heartfelt gratitude for your willingness to help defer some of the expenses as Dad continues to battle this life-changing event.