My name is Angie, the wife of Steve Mead. I do not like doing these things, but I have no other way. Steve became breathless and struggled with breathing Wednesday evening. He would not go to the ER, stating it will pass. He was having issues walking, talking, and even getting up from the chair; he would fall back into the chair. Thursday morning, he still had issues and now had major weakness, was pale, and could hardly take a few steps without having to stop to catch his breath.

He decided to make an appointment to be seen. They did a neb treatment, placed oxygen, and did an EKG (which came out normal). His O2 level was 84 even with oxygen. They sent him to the ER where they did a chest X-ray and CT scan; those were normal. They placed a huge apnea mask on him since the regular oxygen was not raising his levels enough. He was admitted to the hospital with exacerbation COPD, lung infection, and respiratory distress (critical). He received 4 liters of nonstop oxygen and IV antibiotics.

He came home yesterday on oxygen, which means we have to have a condenser and portable oxygen tanks. His insurance does not cover these. We are purchasing the $800.00 condenser, and every portable tank is $45.00, which lasts an hour. He has to have 24/7 oxygen, or his levels drop to 70% (fatal). This is a huge change and hurdle for us.

Steve has not worked since June due to an injury through work, which is also declining. He gets workers' comp when they want to pay, but that is just enough to cover our current bills. Workers' comp does not provide a full paycheck, so we just get by.

We are now going to have an ER visit and his hospital stay as well. He is to see a pulmonary doctor, which will bring in more bills. All this we cannot afford but is necessary for the life of my husband, a father, a son, a papa, a brother. So unfortunately, I am reaching out for help during this time and might be for life. We do not know yet.

Thank you in advance for your help, prayers, and thoughts during this trying time. We both are majorly stressed and scared. This definitely is life-altering for both of us.

My mentality has not been the best, but I am trying to cope the best I can.

Any amount is helpful and will go towards bills.