Our dear friend Roy could use your help…

If you know Roy, you know how kind, caring, and active he is in our community. This man would drop anything to help others. Roy always sees the best in others and is there for support anytime someone needs help. Let’s do what we can and help take some of the financial burden off his shoulders.

What Happened

On Thursday, April 13th, Roy was settling in for the evening after a few hours of working in his yard, mending his fence, and clearing debris from a strong spring storm. Letisha, who had just returned from a short work trip, was enjoying the evening with Roy until she noticed Roy was slumped over in his living room chair, lost his color, and didn’t appear to be breathing. Letisha immediately called 911 and performed CPR.

Roy was rushed to Unity Point Hospital and family and friends arrived to be by his side. Despite the skilled care of the doctors, nurses, and staff at Unity Point Health ICU, Roy remained unconscious and suffered from violent seizures. After many tests and no answers, Roy was airlifted to the University of Iowa Hospital in Iowa City.

The University of Iowa Hospital proved to be a turning point for Roy. After a little more than a month, Roy showed signs of improvement. He no longer needed life support. His seizures calmed and has regained consciousness. He is now fully aware and understands what has happened to him.

Current Condition and Challenges

Roy has been diagnosed with Lance-Adams Syndrome, a rare complication developed after surviving a cardiac arrest because his brain was starved of oxygen for a period of time. He is one of less than 150 cases that have been reported worldwide. The condition causes him to have myoclonic jerks or sudden, brief involuntary twitching or jerking of a muscle or group of muscles. He is unable to control his body from his neck down, and he cannot speak clearly. Each word must be carefully deliberated and spoken by Roy. He is totally dependent on others for his daily activities.

Roy must learn how to regain control and make coordinated movements, something we all learned early in life and now take for granted.

While the cause of this traumatic event continues to be a mystery, Roy is not going to let that stop his recovery. At the beginning of June, Roy was transported to Shirley Ryan Ability Lab in Chicago to help facilitate his ability to increase normal function. His family and friends wanted to keep him closer to home, however, Shirley Ryan Ability Lab has the best facility and team to aid in his recovery.

How We Can Help

On top of pushing through recovery, Roy is also faced with the expenses that go along with it. He is already two months into unexpected medical expenses and has a long road of recovery ahead. He is not one to ask for help, as I said above, he is the one that is always volunteering his time, efforts, and donations to others. We wanted to put this fund together on his behalf to show our continued support for his recovery.

Any donation to help with Roy’s financial burden and aid in his recovery would be appreciated. Every little bit helps. If you are not able to make a monetary donation, please know that the prayers, good vibes, and well wishes are just as much needed and appreciated to get him through this trying time. Roy is in awe of all the love and support of those that have already reached out. He is profoundly humbled and grateful for the support he’s received so far.