Stroke Recovery Support for Darrin

Hello, my name is Maria Sikorsky. I along with my husband, Perry have decided to set up a GoFundMe on behalf of our very dear friend, Darrin Sainato Sr. The intent is to raise money to help Darrin and his family; wife Jessica, eldest daughter, Sofia and son, Darrin Jr. with relief from medical expenses, loss of income, rehabilitation costs and handicap renovations needed for their home due to a massive stroke he suffered this past summer.

Darrin grew up in Wesley Hills, NY with his two older brothers and attended Albertus Magnus High School in Bardonia, NY. He graduated in 1987 and went onto Rockland Community College. He is self employed as a mechanic at Complete Auto Works in Suffern, NY. Currently residing in Harriman, NY for the past 21 years with his lovely wife Jessica. She is a bus driver for their school district, Monroe-Woodbury. Darrin's biggest pride and joy are his two children. He is so proud of his daughter Sofia for graduating Monroe-Woodbury HS this past spring and now attending college in upstate NY. His son, Darrin Jr. is a sophmore at MWHS and is his best bud where he would often assist Darrin Jr with his RC racing hobby. Darrin and Jessica also take care of Darrin's elderly mother Kaye who lives with them. In his off time he enjoys snowmobiling during the winter months and camping in the fall, spring and summer months with his family. He can always be seen tuning in or attending NY Yankee ball game, joking around & meeting up with his friends. He is kind, generous and a good friend to all.

During the early morning of July 19, 2023 our very dear friend Darrin unexpectedly suffered a massive stroke while at home. His courageous wife Jessica noticed something was wrong with Darrin after he used their bathroom. Jessica immediately called 911 and he was rushed to Good Samaritan Hospital. Shortly after his arrival the doctors determined his needs would be met best at Westchester Medical Center. He was airlifted to WMC and immediately underwent a thrombectomy surgery. Although the neurosurgeon was successful in removing the two clots, one in his carotid artery of the neck and the other in his brain, Darrin unfortunately suffered damage by the ischemic attack. Darrin's speech, cognition and mobility were significantly impacted due to his stroke. His right side had shut down and is aphasic.

Darrin stayed at WMC for 2 weeks in ICU before he was transferred to Helen Hayes Hospital where he would receive intensive rehabilitation for 60 days. This was the maximum allotted time insurance would provide Darrin to stay there. He has made tremendous progress and continues to stride to regain his ability to walk. Recently, Jessica was told Darrin would probably not regain use of his right arm and hand. Although aphasic Darrin seems to be progressing well cognitively. He will respond with eye expressions, a nod, thumbs up or a "yes". He continues to stride each day through various therapies and treatments to regain what was lost with his speech and mobility of his right leg. Thankfully Darrin is a lefty by nature and is able to self feed which is great for his sense of self. However, because he had not met the independence, safety and medical requirements to go home Darrin was transferred to yet another facility. Darrin is currently at CareOne, a subacute nursing care facility in Paramus, NJ. where not only his rehabilitative needs are being met but his medical needs as well.

Darrin is currently on blood thinners since he was at WMC because a body scan revealed that he had a clot in his leg and clots surrounding his lungs. They also determined he had an unresolved hole in his heart which he unknowingly had since birth. This is cause for the blood clots and ischemic attack he suffered. Heart surgery is most probable in Darrin's future once he is deemed stable. It is with many prayers and hope Darrin will one day soon return to his home in Harriman, NY. However, that will most likely require he receive in home care while Jessica is at work, continued out patient therapy along with handicap renovations needed for their home.

Darrin and his wife are generally people of pride and take on their family needs/responsibilities themselves without asking for help. However, after many discussions with his wife Jessica, we feel now is the appropriate time to ask for your help. Perry and I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for any monetary donation you are able to give this beautiful family in need.