Rod's Stroke Recovery Fund
Donation protected
The Bad News...
On April 24, 2017 at approximately 3:30 in the morning, Rod had a rare stroke originating near his brain stem. Although most strokes affect either the left or right side of the body, this one affected both. He has paralysis on the left side of his face, affecting his speech and vision. He is unable to close his left eye which must remain covered with a patch. The patch, accompanied by double vision, makes it difficult for him to see and affects his depth perception. The muscles in his throat used for swallowing are paralyzed as well and he can’t swallow at all. He receives all medications and five daily feedings through a tube in his stomach. Due to partial paralysis on the right side of his body he can no longer walk without aggressive aid.
Overnight, his life and that of his wife and family changed dramatically. Before the stroke, he was leading an active life. Running his bee hives, supporting his family, and aggressively working in his ministry as he has done most of his life. He has a long road to recovery ahead but he is dedicated to persevere with the help of God’s grace!
The Good News...
Rod's family, friends, church and community have been helpful and have been a consistent source of encouraging support. Rod is blessed to be living in a town where he is well known for ministering to others. He longs to continue to serve through Hope International Ministries, which he and his wife Vivian founded in over 27 years ago.
Support and Recovery Status...
First and foremost, Rod and Vivian are asking for prayer! God has been more than faithful in providing for their needs throughout their years of faith-based ministry and they know that He is faithful to continue. For those that live locally, thank you for your generous support and efforts to get Rod started on the road to recovery!
Rod and Vivian will need considerable help to fund his continued recovery efforts. He currently has physical therapy, speech therapy, and occupational therapy three times per week. Although this is a good start, they need some serious updates and adjustments to their home, inside and out, to accommodate his needs. Since the house was built around 1910, construction will be challenging and costly. These will not be extravagant updates, just enough for him to be able to do normal things safely (home therapy, bathing, entering/leaving the house, etc.).
Many people are asking how they can help and financial support is just one of many ways. Although the children have been helping, they all live out of state so there is plenty to be done around the house. Rod and Vivian both love people and are not used to being cooped up at home so a friendly visit might hit the spot. Regardless of how you decide to participate, please continue to pray and spread the word through your networks of families, friends and communities!
We look forward to keeping you in the loop as Rod's road to recovery continues!
In His Service,
Rod and Family
The Hope of Glory
(Ephesians 1:3-14)
Help spread the word!
On April 24, 2017 at approximately 3:30 in the morning, Rod had a rare stroke originating near his brain stem. Although most strokes affect either the left or right side of the body, this one affected both. He has paralysis on the left side of his face, affecting his speech and vision. He is unable to close his left eye which must remain covered with a patch. The patch, accompanied by double vision, makes it difficult for him to see and affects his depth perception. The muscles in his throat used for swallowing are paralyzed as well and he can’t swallow at all. He receives all medications and five daily feedings through a tube in his stomach. Due to partial paralysis on the right side of his body he can no longer walk without aggressive aid.
Overnight, his life and that of his wife and family changed dramatically. Before the stroke, he was leading an active life. Running his bee hives, supporting his family, and aggressively working in his ministry as he has done most of his life. He has a long road to recovery ahead but he is dedicated to persevere with the help of God’s grace!
The Good News...
Rod's family, friends, church and community have been helpful and have been a consistent source of encouraging support. Rod is blessed to be living in a town where he is well known for ministering to others. He longs to continue to serve through Hope International Ministries, which he and his wife Vivian founded in over 27 years ago.
Support and Recovery Status...
First and foremost, Rod and Vivian are asking for prayer! God has been more than faithful in providing for their needs throughout their years of faith-based ministry and they know that He is faithful to continue. For those that live locally, thank you for your generous support and efforts to get Rod started on the road to recovery!
Rod and Vivian will need considerable help to fund his continued recovery efforts. He currently has physical therapy, speech therapy, and occupational therapy three times per week. Although this is a good start, they need some serious updates and adjustments to their home, inside and out, to accommodate his needs. Since the house was built around 1910, construction will be challenging and costly. These will not be extravagant updates, just enough for him to be able to do normal things safely (home therapy, bathing, entering/leaving the house, etc.).
Many people are asking how they can help and financial support is just one of many ways. Although the children have been helping, they all live out of state so there is plenty to be done around the house. Rod and Vivian both love people and are not used to being cooped up at home so a friendly visit might hit the spot. Regardless of how you decide to participate, please continue to pray and spread the word through your networks of families, friends and communities!
We look forward to keeping you in the loop as Rod's road to recovery continues!
In His Service,
Rod and Family
The Hope of Glory
(Ephesians 1:3-14)
Help spread the word!
Organizer
Rod Smith
Organizer
Laurel, MS
