Rally for Gary's Stroke Recovery

On December 21, 2024, our lives changed in a way we never would have imagined. Gary had a major stroke. He then spent 3 days in ICU before being moved to critical care and then being discharged home on December 27th. We are so blessed, he truly is a miracle!

Please understand, we know how fortunate we are. Gary can walk, talk and has no paralysis. He is cognitively aware and mentally as sharp as ever. These are blessings that we thank God for everyday!

And there are struggles. Gary has lost about 40% of his visual field. So, now we are both visually impaired and neither of us can drive. While he is strong, he struggles with coordination and fine motor skills, especially on the right side of his body. He has had speech therapy but still slurs his speech at times. He cannot drive; he struggles with fatigue and brain fog. There is a disconnect between his mind and his body at times. He says it is like going from being 60 to being 100 overnight.

Before the stroke Gary did everything! He loves cooking, yard work, working on our home, riding his motorcycle. Just doing absolutely every thing. He also has eaten a Mediterranean diet for most of his life and was in the gym 5-6 days a week before the stroke. He did ALL the things the doctors tell you to do so you don't have a stroke. And then he had a stroke....

Now that it has been a few months, we are starting to really understand how this will impact us long term.

Right now we are trying to create as much stability as possible for the next two years so we can get Connor finished with high school. The great challenge is the loss of 40% of Gary’s income. Add the medical bills on top of that and you can understand why we decided to start this Go Fund Me.

Gary’s stroke was 10 days before the end of the year and had had not yet met his deductible for 2024. Then, 10 days later the deductible starts over for 2025. He has had Speech Therapy, Occupational therapy and Physical Therapy twice a week. Had to wear a cardiac monitor, is now on 6 different medications, already has had to have blood work done and will need to be fully reevaluated in March. That means another CAT scan and full blood work.

And, life keeps going, Connor has field trips, class pictures, needs the second phase of braces. We will need to enroll him in a driving school since we can’t teach him to drive. Bills still come; groceries still must be bought. All the normal things still happen.

While this is hard to post, we do get comfort knowing that so many people do care and are willing to help. We appreciate all the love and support.