Support Chad's Long Road to Recovery

Our family is no stranger to the quote “tough times make tough people”, We have always tried to be those tough people. Chad’s medical file is larger than most people, and we certainly know how to navigate hospitals. Unfortunately, Chad’s hospital stays have become more frequent and for longer periods of time. It feels like we take 2 steps forwards, and 3 steps back.

In August, Chad was hospitalized at Emory in Atlanta for 28 days. He had to have pulmonary valve replacement for the second time. Unfortunately, he had complications which placed him on a ventilator in the ICU. The travel days, days out of work, and trying to keep Colby on a schedule took a toll on us. After a long recovery, Chad was able to come home and returned to a semi-regular life.

In January, Chad contracted pneumonia which led to ICU and ventilator again. He was in the hospital for 10 days. Chad had a harder time recovering from this hospital stay. He never fully recovered his muscle mass and strength.

In between the hospital visits, Chad had a few outpatient procedures to stop internal bleeding, stomach lesions, and eye surgery. Chad also had Kidney cancer a few years ago that has added to his kidney issues. Thankfully, the cancer is gone. Unfortunately, he ends up on dialysis with each hospital stay.

On April 28th, Chad stepped in a hole in the yard and hurt his left ankle. He went to urgent care the next day. He had a grade 3 sprain and possible torn ligaments. Chad followed up with an orthopedic doctor. Just a few days later, his ankle had gotten worse. He could not walk, it had turned red up his leg, and the swelling was unbearable. I took Chad to the ER and they ended up admitting him. His ankle had an infection in it and became sepsis. From here things went downhill. The infection had taken over and he was not making sense mentally. His kidneys had stopped working. He was not tolerating dialysis. His blood pressure dropped to the point that the doctors had to have a conversation with me about resuscitation. Chad was transferred to another hospital and placed in the ICU. He spent 26 days in the hospital and rehab.

Although Chad has come home, his infection is still present, he has dialysis 3 days a week, and he has not fully recovered. He has to have someone help him get around, get in the shower, and change out bandages. He has not gained back enough strength. We have come to terms with the fact that this recovery process will be longer and more difficult.

We have also been dealing with issues at Colby's school, school district, and medical issues. Colby has a strained elbow/arm and can not use his left arm for 6 weeks. We are hoping that we will see some improvement with the next set of x-rays. He is attending physical therapy weekly and doctor follow ups. Colby loves sports, especially baseball, and it is driving him crazy not to play.

Due to Chad being in hospital he has been unable to attend work and therefore is not bringing home a salary and as you all are aware bills don’t just stop if you aren’t working. All of Chad's sick and vacation time was used for the previous hospital stays. I am also having to take days off of work to help with doctors and recovery. We are juggling doctor appointments for Colby and previous bills for Chad.

We don’t know what the future holds for Chad, his recovery, and his medical journey. He is definitely stronger than a cat with 9 lives. We do know that it is taking longer to recover. Many people have asked how they can help, Chad and I are not the type to ask for help, but we realize that sometimes you have too.

This fundraiser will help support the medical bills, while helping to offset the loss of income as we focus on Chad’s recovery and medical care. It is important for Chad not to rush his recovery this time and focus on healing. At this time we are unsure what our next steps will be for his recovery.

Please feel free to share with church groups, friends, and neighbors.

We truly appreciate everyone’s support and kindness towards us during this difficult time. Even the smallest amount is appreciated. Prayer works!! ❤