SHARING IS CARING : CARING FOR DON
Donation protected
Don has given of his talents as a valued musician, teacher, band director for many years. His love of music has been shared with many friends, students and co-workers in his life's journey. In Don's years of teaching, as a band director for Kentwood Schools and Allendale Schools, his desire to help a young person learn was expressed in his selflessness. He always made time for any student who wanted to learn, he always made sure they had what they needed to learn; instruments, sheet music, etc. If they could not afford it, he would make sure to provide it for them, from his own money.
Don was enjoying his retirement, performing and rehearsing as a member of several different music groups such as Allendale Community Jazz Band, Holland American Legion Band, Holland Symphony, West Michigan Concert Winds, Lakeshore Jazz Ensemble, Grand Rapids Accordion Ensemble and others. This was his enjoyment, his life.
Unfortunately, June 10th he suffered a stroke that caused him to lose his speech and mobility. He was treated at Spectrum Hospital from 6/10 - 6/16/17. From there he went to Mary Free Bed from 6/16/17 - 7/18/17. He hit a plateau in his rehabilitation and needed to find a long term care facility. On July 18, 2017 he went to St. Ann's Home for care and rehab. Because he hit another plateau, insurance would not cover the total bill, part of which still remains to be paid ($4,778.00). He had to transfer to a permanent long term care facility. On August 24, 2017 he was admitted into American House. The monthly bill is over $5,000.00 for his care and living.
On September 8, 2017, he was sent to Spectrum Emergency. After many tests they discovered he suffered two more strokes and prone to seizure activity and had a UTI. He had another two medications added to his "arsenal" of meds that he takes already.
On September 14, 2017 he was sent to Mary Free Bed to begin rehabilitation, again. On September 15, 2017 he was again sent back to Spectrum Butterworth, because he had fallen and suffered lethargy and unable to stay awake. They ran the battery of tests again, MRI, EEG, etc. and he also was suffering from a UTI. Antibiotics administered and he was under supervision for seizing.
On September 19, 2017 he was well enough to transfer back to Mary Free Bed to again try rehabilitation. Needless to say, through this setback he has lost what he gained in speech and physical strength.
This, once very active, very talented, very generous man is now limited to mobility in a wheelchair and suffers severe expressive aphasia. My hope is to have help for Don to pay for the care he needs. Don has fought every step of the way. Through frustration and depression at times, he still "marched on" giving his best for the hope of recovery. We are hopeful that Don will, with rehabilitation, be able to enjoy his musical talents and his life of sharing his music.....which is his heart.....with all those who are fortunate enough to know him.
Don was enjoying his retirement, performing and rehearsing as a member of several different music groups such as Allendale Community Jazz Band, Holland American Legion Band, Holland Symphony, West Michigan Concert Winds, Lakeshore Jazz Ensemble, Grand Rapids Accordion Ensemble and others. This was his enjoyment, his life.
Unfortunately, June 10th he suffered a stroke that caused him to lose his speech and mobility. He was treated at Spectrum Hospital from 6/10 - 6/16/17. From there he went to Mary Free Bed from 6/16/17 - 7/18/17. He hit a plateau in his rehabilitation and needed to find a long term care facility. On July 18, 2017 he went to St. Ann's Home for care and rehab. Because he hit another plateau, insurance would not cover the total bill, part of which still remains to be paid ($4,778.00). He had to transfer to a permanent long term care facility. On August 24, 2017 he was admitted into American House. The monthly bill is over $5,000.00 for his care and living.
On September 8, 2017, he was sent to Spectrum Emergency. After many tests they discovered he suffered two more strokes and prone to seizure activity and had a UTI. He had another two medications added to his "arsenal" of meds that he takes already.
On September 14, 2017 he was sent to Mary Free Bed to begin rehabilitation, again. On September 15, 2017 he was again sent back to Spectrum Butterworth, because he had fallen and suffered lethargy and unable to stay awake. They ran the battery of tests again, MRI, EEG, etc. and he also was suffering from a UTI. Antibiotics administered and he was under supervision for seizing.
On September 19, 2017 he was well enough to transfer back to Mary Free Bed to again try rehabilitation. Needless to say, through this setback he has lost what he gained in speech and physical strength.
This, once very active, very talented, very generous man is now limited to mobility in a wheelchair and suffers severe expressive aphasia. My hope is to have help for Don to pay for the care he needs. Don has fought every step of the way. Through frustration and depression at times, he still "marched on" giving his best for the hope of recovery. We are hopeful that Don will, with rehabilitation, be able to enjoy his musical talents and his life of sharing his music.....which is his heart.....with all those who are fortunate enough to know him.
Organizer
Monica Bailey Paauwe
Organizer
Allendale, MI
