Help Sam Grant Recover from a Medical Crisis

Dear Friends, Family, and Community Members,

My name is Nathaniel Watkins, and I'm reaching out on behalf of our dear friend and colleague, Sam Grant. Sam is the Director of Emergency Management and a dedicated public servant who now finds himself in a critical situation. Sam's journey began on July 8 when he was rushed to the ER at UPMC in Cumberland, suffering from severe abdominal pain and uncontrollable vomiting. The initial diagnosis was a kidney stone, severe reflux, and a non-mechanical, non-surgical bowel obstruction.

Despite the initial treatment, Sam's condition worsened, and by July 12, he experienced a significant decline. Unable to manage his pain and vomiting, the medical team decided that an urgent transfer was necessary. In the early hours of July 13, Sam was transferred to UPMC Presbyterian Hospital in Pittsburgh, where he faced a life-threatening septic shock. Emergency surgery revealed that Sam's small bowel had twisted, cutting off blood flow in two areas, necessitating a resection. Additionally, the surgeons discovered and repaired a hernia.

Sam's condition was so severe that his surgical team could not close his abdomen until July 16. Following surgery, Sam faced respiratory failure and remained on a ventilator for nine days, leading to further complications, including delirium.

Currently, Sam is battling to regain his strength. He underwent a swallow study and can only consume ice chips as his throat and mouth heal from extended intubation. Physical therapy is scheduled to help him move after weeks of being bedridden, and tube feedings are being introduced.

The road to recovery is long and arduous. Sam's wife, Ashley, has been tirelessly by his side, driving two hours to Pittsburgh every other day, caring for their two-month-old baby at the hospital, and managing their home in between visits. Their two-year-old child is being cared for by family members who have traveled from Pennsylvania, New York, and Oklahoma.

Ashley has been on unpaid maternity leave since May and won't receive a paycheck until the school year resumes at the end of August. The financial strain of medical bills, travel expenses, and daily living costs is overwhelming.

We are asking for your support to help ease the financial burden on Sam and his family during this incredibly challenging time. Your donations will go towards medical expenses, travel costs for Ashley, and essential needs for their children.

Sam has dedicated his career to serving others, and now it's our turn to support him. Any contribution, no matter how small, will make a significant difference. Let's come together to help Sam and his family through this difficult period and give them hope for a brighter future.

Thank you for your generosity and support.

With gratitude,

Nathaniel Watkins