Steve Smith and Family Stroke Recovery Fund

Prior to this tragic event, Steve Smith worked for Texas Department of Criminal Justice for over 28 years, was a runner, worked out, mowed lawns on the side, and was very healthy. Despite being in good health, he suffered a mild stroke in March 2018 and a severe, massive one on June 12, 2018.

After a lot of rehabilitation to regain the skills we take for granted every day, Steve had come a long way and was able to walk with a cane, although his speech, cognitive abilities, and right arm had not regained function. He was functioning well at home, and his family had figured out how to live with his disabilities.

But on January 31, the unspeakable happened and tragedy hit again. Steve had another severe stroke that now has affected his left, good side. He is currently in the hospital fighting for his life. He developed aspiration pneumonia, he cannot swallow, or talk at all now, his mouth barely opens, and now neither side of his body is functioning. He has had a feeding tube placed and currently he is in total care.

Since Steve's stroke in June, his wife Shannon had to take a leave of absence from her job for more than three months without pay to make medical decisions on his behalf and be his voice. Once he was home she continued to take intermittent unpaid days off to care for him. She had to hire a caregiving service as well so she could go back to work. She has been by his side during this whole journey. They have been together for over 20 years, married for 18. They have two beautiful daughters. Managing their home, family, and work has been very challenging.

Now again, Shannon is having to take off work without pay to be by his side to try to make the best medical decisions for him. With Shannon having to go without pay for months, the financial stress has piled up. Medical expenses, caregivers, travel expenses, etc., along with day-to-day living expenses for a family of 4, as we all know adds up quickly. Right now, the future for this family is unknown. Things may look OK in anyone’s life on the outside, but can be far from the reality.

We pray for a full recovery always, and we put our faith in our Heavenly Father to restore him fully; however, the future is truly unknown and will be His will. Please help us give this loving family a lifeline and your prayers. If you can give big, please do, but even a small donation will help.

The road ahead is long, but with prayer and support from family and friends, the road is a little easier to travel. We are not promised tomorrow, nor do we know what each day holds for us. Any of us could be in this position at any time. Please share this with everyone and continue to keep them in your prayers daily.