Back to Life - Rehab & Health for Darren!

For those family, friends, neighbors & colleagues who know Darren well, you can all attest to how proud, caring, helpful and hardworking a man he is and how he openly gives of himself to help others.  Always putting others first before himself.

A loving spouse and proud father of two girls, a step father to one son.  He has two elderly parents in Niagara Falls that require care, an elderly mother in law and an older sister. He is a well respected, strong man who is appreciated, loved and relied upon for support and care of his family and those he loves regularly.  We are both caregivers to my elderly mother whom we also physically, emotionally and financially support.  

Unfortunately, Darren had to have emergency back surgery last week after injuring himself at work to try to repair the major damage that caused him severe piercing pain & temporary paralysis below the waist.  Workplace injuries are not fun and effect the whole family. He is a broken man and his spirit bruised but with time he will hopefully heal.  It was a long surgery that Dr. Ogundimu performed and he has a long road to recovery to gain his strength & all the feeling back to support himself.  He will remain in the hospital where the rehab team there will work with him every step of the way.

As Darren focus's on his recovery & rehab he still worries. Their are many things that we need to assist in his transition from hospital to home in the meantime that I am trying to get ready as he will need modifications and changes that accommodate him at home. There will be some recommendations from an outside source of what he will need and some of what we already know that are obvious.

We are in the process of selling and replacing most of our furniture that isn't suitable for Darren to sit or lie on as he requires more support for his back and legs and more room for mobility and getting around.   Reclining furniture, chairs and a new king size bed frame & mattress are on the list.  A more suitable, reliable vehicle for him  to be able to drive personally and for work when he's ready is also necessary, making it easier to get in and out of - and we are looking now.

We will also be looking for better suited living accommodations with no stairs or very few as we currently have 12 stairs up to our bedrooms and shower and 12 stairs down to laundry, rec room and storage areas.  We are looking at all options whether to rent or purchase depending what is out there that is suitable.  Our current townhouse is not the best format for what our future holds. Our goal is to hopefully find something to move into before Christmas, or earlier preferably.

Our situation although unique in some ways might be familiar to others who do not have access to immediate funds to be able to easily cover unexpected costs because of a traumatic health event (life changing).  Both of us rely on our pay cheques to support our needs and other family member responsibilities.
Darren worked and provided for his family as best he could along with myself (his wife).  I am his only caregiver and I am currently not working and actively looking for my next safety gig which may come at any time but may also have me working out of town away from the Sudbury area and Darren - hence the urgency to get some of these things taken care of sooner rather than later.
Our current funds are limited due to obvious reasons and their isn't any extra to assist with the additional costs of what is needed. plus cover current living expenses.  WSIB does not cover out of pocket expenses or lost wages/time off for caregivers or family members to provide the necessary care for their loved ones either. We cannot finance or charge on credit cards because of our situation and would appreciate any support and assistance that our friends, family, neighbors and colleagues can give.  

Our goal is $10,000 - $25,000 as some costs are more than others.  All funds raised will go towards the  purchase  of the following necessary items.  The list will be updated once purchased and may change depending on Darren's progress and needs.

NOTE:  Our biggest purchases for Darren will be a vehicle and home which we will be financing.  The money raised will help us lower the monthly payments to something more affordable for our situation.  We do have some savings we can pull from to assist but not enough to get us to a more affordable monthly payment.  These items are important for Darren's mobility issues and will improve his future independence and a vehicle is needed for him to be able to work.

- ** Bought & Ordered on Aug 14/19 ~ Reclining furniture (better support, sitting/sleeping) ** could not order them earlier till we had full deposit.  12-14 weeks delivery, hopefully by November
- Captain dining chair (better support)
- king size bed frame & orthopedic mattress/box spring
- vehicle (SUV) **personally & for work - currently looking a suitable options
- 3 bedroom  home  - Rent to Own option  (no stairs, or very few, main floor bedrooms, bathroom/shower, laundry) 

Every day will have a new challenge as most may know, your back , spine and nerves control every part of your body making the smallest things difficult. Darren is working hard to get better and will not give up easily so he can begin to live the life he deserves to live with his family...just may take a little time and that's OK.

Please continue to share if not donating so others may have the opportunity to consider. GoFundMe tracks  shares and moves you up accordingly. You can also follow our campaign and updates on our progress or feel free to send me a private message.

Much love and very thankful to all who have reached out to both of us thus far ❤️

#recoveryrehabandhealthfordarren #familyfirst

To my love Darren...

"You have permission to rest.  You are not responsible for fixing everything that is broken.  You do not have to try to make everyone happy.  For now, take time for you.  It's time to replenish."

We can do this!

All my love...

Your Lady
Karen