Stephen’s road to recovery

Hi everyone we started this Gofundme page to help alleviate some of the stress Stephen, Samantha and the kids are going to face in the coming months. Stephen has selflessly served the community as a police officer for the last 17 years and now it’s our time to help him. It takes a village and I just want them to know that we are ALL there to support them ♥️ Thank you so much in advance for your love and support !!!

 

On November 1st Stephen was taken to the hospital after feeling unwell for 2 weeks at home. He had extremely high fevers, unable to regulate his body temperature, weak, lethargic and body aches. What we thought would be a trip to the ED for some antibiotics and return back home has been an ongoing heart wrenching battle. His condition rapidly deteriorated and he became unstable. He was quickly diagnosed with Endocarditis, an infection on his heart and it destroyed his already artificial valve. After a long day with rapid interventions, Stephen was transferred from our local Hospital to the ICU at NYU- Langone.

His Amazing Cardiothoracic Team made a quick and life saving decision to place a Transvenus pacemaker because the infection was taking over the function of his heart. The Team performed emergency open heart surgery on November 4th with some complications during the surgery but they were prepared and were able to work though them. During surgery they were able to clear some of the infection, replace his valve and repair some damaged areas. While some areas remain permanently damaged, Stephen is still in the ICU with his wife Samantha by his side. There are still a few more procedures that need to happen before they can come home and be on the long road to recovery. Stephen will be getting a permanent pacemaker placed within the next few days. They are now tasked with weeks of at home nursing care to manage the lingering infection and the healing processing coming their way. Expenses have already started to build up. We are rallying around them and their three beautiful children at home (11, 6 and 4) to get them everything they need as a family for their long journey ahead. He has has quite the battle that has been taking a toll on his body, but he is a warrior. With the support of all of our family and friends, let’s get Stephen to recovery! Please continue to send them love and support and keep the prayers coming- They need It more than you know! ❤️‍❤️‍❤️‍