UPDATE 3 SEP 2022 (corrected @ 9pm)

Our good friend Ricky Yunker needs your help... prayers and monetary donations.

As most of you know March 28 Ricky had surgery for a brain bleed and had a stroke during surgery. He had his second surgery on June 3 and the doctor said he had a small brain bleed and his second stroke as a result Ricky's vision has taken a big hit .

The doctor said he has visual neglect and that his vision therapy will help train his eye and brain to work together . He also has a touch of glaucoma.

The lens for his glasses are $700, the therapy to train his eye is costly and the visits will depend on the speed of responce. The glasses and therapy are not covered by insurance . I've been reading up on this therapy and it seems as though this is his best option .

Our prayer for Ricky is that he's able to get this therapy so that his vision is restored . That would allow him to start driving again and he will be able to get back at the Nashville Zoo with his work family. Ricky has never been one just to sit around and do nothing .

I understand with our economy as it is you may not be able to make a monetary donation at this time but please continue to keep Ricky and Patti in your prayers . If you are able to donate it would help out a lot and be greatly appreciated .

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28MARCH 2022

Ricky Yunker ... One of the few and far between "Good ol boys" could use your help !

Hello, my name is Howard, Alesia Balthrop-Gehring is my wife. Alesia asked me to create this. It is my first time doing this and I had to authenticate who I am so I am listed as the go to guy. Please reach out to Alesia if you suspect that this is not legit. Use her Facebook account. Thank you

 

On Monday March 28th, Patricia, Ricky's wife, got the dreaded phone call, A call that nobody ever wants to get, Ricky has been rushed to the hospital.

Ricky had a Haemorrhagic Stroke. 

After testing it was determined that he was suffering from a brain bleed that the hospital had intended to treat with medication. That night Ricky's brain started swelling and he had to be rushed into surgery. The brain surgery went well but Ricky is not out of the woods yet. About two days later he showed signs of progress that has been slow progress nonetheless. After staying in the hospital for 12days Ricky was moved to a nursing home for rehabilitation. Unknownly the nursing home does not use side rails on the bed. That night Ricky fell out of bed. This was a major setback. Ricky was not as responsive as he had been, so they transported him to Skyline Hospital for testing. Tests showed that the brain did not start bleeding again. Skyline also found Inflammation in his intestines and they started treating him for that as well . Patricia has been told that it's highly unlikely that Ricky will be able to return to work. Ricky has always been a giver, doing for others and never asking for anything in return. So it is our hope and prayer that all of Ricky and Patricia's family, friends, and just anyone that has it in their heart, please help this sweet couple. It would be a blessing if you will be able to help with a monetary donation. Medical expenses are adding up. Patricia has been driving to the hospital every day and with the current fuel situation it will soon become difficult. With the uncertainty of when or if Ricky will be going back to work Patricia is concerned about the house note and living expenses. Patricia asks if your not able to help with a donation she needs your prayers most of all. Patricia asks that you keep them in your daily prayers as they know first hand that prayers are answered .

We will continue to keep this page updated as progress is made.