Hello, my name is Alaura and I’m here to tell you the story of my Dad, Brock Smith.

Brock Smith was the strongest man around. Before September 13th, 2019 he could lift anything and was always sure to beat anyone willing to challenge him at arm wrestling.

Popular for being sincerely nice and having the biggest heart around. He was a friend to all at Camp Pendleton Naval Hospital where he was a Locksmith. In fact, everyone knew him as Brock Smith, the Locksmith.

On September 13th, 2019 Brock suffered a stroke. At first there was no reason to believe that he wouldn’t make a full recovery. After some complications, sepsis, another stroke and a stage 4 pressure ulcer, Brock was left with a difficult and long road ahead to recovery.

Our family is close and not for one minute did we ever consider giving up on Brock. Many told us it would be hard. Many say “He lives with you? How do you take care of him?”

The answer has always been simple for my Mom. “ In sickness and in health. He is ours to care for and to love. We will do anything to help him recover.”

He was in the hospital for quite some time. September, 2019- April, 2020. During this time his teeth were not cared for properly and he ended up with many cavities and teeth falling out. It is unfortunate to say that most of the teeth in his mouth are now rotten causing extreme pain. He used to always have a smile on his face but now refuses to smile due to embarrassment.

On July 28th, 2022 he suffered a seizure due to life threatening low sodium levels. He has an Ileostomy due to sepsis complications in 2019. Therefore it is incredibly difficult to keep him hydrated and his electrolytes balanced. It has been impossible to get Brock’s insurance to pay for IV’s due to dehydration. We have personally been paying $220 every time he needs an IV and it has been financially devastating.

We are asking for your help so Brock can have proper dental work (he is bed bound and will have to have mobile dentistry come to his home) and have IV’s weekly for dehydration to prevent another emergency trip to the hospital.

From our hearts to yours, we thank you for your support. You will have our love and gratitude forever for helping Brock have a better life.