Support Bobby's Stroke Recovery Journey

On Sunday, November 17th, Shannon and Bobby were at home on a normal Sunday when Bobby suddenly had a sharp shooting headache. Shannon quickly recognized that something was off with Bobby and called 911. When the paramedics arrived, their quick assessment noticed that Bobby was having a stroke. They knew the severity of the stroke and quickly arranged for helicopter transportation to the hospital. En route to the hospital, Bobby went unconscious and needed to be intubated. They quickly did a CT scan which identified that Bobby was having a hemorrhagic stroke, a massive brain bleed. They decided at that moment that Bobby would need emergency surgery to stop the bleed and a ventricular drain to drain the fluid. Over the next several days, they monitored Bobby to see how his neurological function was. During those first few days, Shannon, Lois, Bob, Chris and Shaun was there every day, making sure Bobby was okay. On Tuesday, when the doctors assessed Bobby, they felt like he would be able to come off the ventilator, and the plan was to move forward with that on Wednesday morning.

On Tuesday night, when Shannon went home from the hospital, she noticed that their dog, Sampson, was having trouble breathing. Shannon and Shaun quickly took Sampson to the emergency vet, where it was decided that Sampson needed to be put down. So, during this emotional time, Bobby decided to self-extubate and remove himself from the vent. Some would say that Bobby just knew Shannon needed him during that time. Others would assume Bobby knew Shannon was getting ready to swipe his credit card. As heartbroken as they were with the passing of Sampson, they were overjoyed at the fact that Bobby was off the ventilator and breathing on his own. Bobby was even able to say a couple of words. Bobby initially had some weakness in his right arm, but as each day goes by, his strength is returning.

Bobby continues to be in the ICU due to having a drain in his head to drain the excess blood that accumulated during the stroke. We are nearing taking that drain out and planning for Bobby to head to rehab to regain his strength and work on his neurological function has he has been experiencing some expressive aphasia.

Now, Shannon and Bobby are self-employed. They own Roots Salon here in Cape Coral. Bobby also works for a small business that his family once owned, Arthur's Printing. Bobby also served as a council member for the city of Cape Coral, and his term has recently ended. Bobby gained medical insurance through the city council and was planning to transition and purchase his own private insurance at the beginning of the year. A tragedy doesn't wait for "plans" and so Bobby may go without medical insurance. With the amount of bills that are going to be piling up during his recovery, Shannon could really use some help and support. She is working on figuring out the medical insurance, but driving to Ft. Myers every day while trying to still work is going to be a big task. Bobby and Shannon are not normally ones to ask for help. In fact, they are usually the opposite. They are quick to run to help those in need.

A lot of people have been asking what they can do to help. A quick prayer is amazing, and we have felt all of those, and we are seeing those every day with the improvements that Bobby is making. Financial support at this time would really help so that Shannon can spend more of her time with Bobby, making sure he is making progress.