It is with incredibly heavy hearts that we share that Stacy passed away.
Despite the tireless efforts of the medical staff and overwhelming love, prayers, and support from family, friends, and the community, Stacys body could no longer continue the fight. He passed peacefully surrounded by love.
On behalf of our entire family, we want to thank everyone who has donated, shared this fundraiser, prayed, and reached out. Your kindness and generosity have meant more than words can express during this unimaginable time.
Funds raised will continue to go towards helping Becky and the family with funeral expenses, any medical bills, and the many unexpected cost that come with such a sudden loss. Any support- whether financial, or through continued prayers- is deeply appreciated.
Please keep Stacys family in your thoughts as they navigate the days ahead. We are forever grateful for the love shown to Stacy and all of us.
This is Larry Efaw and I am creating this GoFundMe for my son-in-law, and previous Bluegrass Mountaineer- Stacy Wilcox. On the early morning of Saturday, January 10th, Stacy suffered a sudden cardiac arrest at our festival at Maumee Bay State Park in Oregon , Ohio.
After 25~ 30 mins of bystander CPR paramedics arrived and continued CPR until they got a heartbeat on the EKG. Stacy was talking to Becky in the Trauma Bay.
During the heart Cath a blockage was found, and they inserted 2 stents and a balloon pump to heal his heart. Monday things took a turn for the worse. He coded again for 48 mins. During CPR 2 surgeons inserted an ECMO. He is facing 1 possibly 2 lifesaving procedures Friday, Jan 16th.
Currently Stacy is on total life support and fighting for his life in ICU at St. Vincent Hospital in Toledo, surrounded by his loving family.
This GoFundMe has been created to help Stacy and his family with mounting bills and everyday expenses during this incredibly difficult time. They are 2.5 hours away from home. Stacy has been unable to work due to his ongoing battle with kidney failure and other serious health issues. My daughter Becky has been the main provider for their family. With Stacy hospitalized and Becky by his side, the financial burden has to be overwhelming.
If you know our Banjo pickin' Stacy, you know the kind of man he is—kind, loving, selfless, and always willing to help others. He has the biggest heart and has touched so many lives through his generosity and compassion. Now, this family needs our help.
They have always been there for others, and it’s time for us to come together and return that kindness. Any donation, share, or prayer is deeply appreciated.
I will continue to provide daily updates as we receive them. Please keep Stacy, Becky, and their entire family in your prayers as they navigate this incredibly challenging journey.
Thank you all for your love and support
Update January 10th
Stacy had a confirmed heart attack in the LAD, the widow maker. The doctors were quick to address it and got him to the cath lab in time. With the 2 new stents placed and the ballooning of his old stent, he is currently stable on a ventilator. He currently has a balloon pump which is helping pump blood to the right side of his heart. He’s hooked up to a lot more tubes and lines with this cardiac arrest. I’m so thankful for everyone today. Stacy is still with us because of the help from multiple people being at the right place at the right time. I’ll never be able to thank my village enough.
January 11th
The pulmonologist and cardiologist are both pleased with his progress. They are in agreement that this needs to be a slow process. He has a heart balloon blood pump in his groin pumping blood to the heart, which allows his heart time to rest and heal.
The plan is to wean him off the blood pressure meds and blood pump overnight and have the pump removed in the morning. He will have to lay flat and completely still for about 4-6 hours. So for Stacy’s comfort and well-being, they will keep him on the ventilator until the blood pump is removed, and when Stacy's body is ready for it, the vent could possibly be removed tomorrow.
He did aspirate into the lungs, and with the cellulitis in his toe, antibiotics have been started.
With the prolonged CPR event, this is a LONG waiting game. We have to see how he responds and are praying he’s back to normal with no damage to major organs!!!
January 12th
Unfortunately, Stacy took a little turn this afternoon. He coded for 48 minutes. Right now, he is on the vent and ECMO machine pumping his heart. The doctors that performed the life-saving ECMO procedure at bedside during his 3rd cardiac arrest came in this morning and were actually surprised to see him doing “better.” He is out of metabolic acidosis.
They aren’t giving up hope on Stacy yet. His heart muscles are strong, but the electrical side of his heart is still throwing in some funky rhythms. They are planning on taking him to the cath lab this afternoon to possibly insert an external pacemaker in hopes of allowing the heart to heal and keep it in a steady rhythm. This is a long waiting game. Stacy’s poor body has been through so much, but I stand firm in my faith that he’s fighting and doing all he can do, so all I can do is lay this in God’s hands and pray he sends him a miracle!
January 13th
They are preparing to take Stacy for the external pacemaker. They just finished another echo to make sure his heart muscles are still strong, which they are. No change since this last cardiac arrest yesterday. The cardiologist believes that if they get the pacemaker in place and keep his heart at a steady rhythm for a couple of days, his heart could possibly recover because it’s an electrical heart issue now. The next 24-48 hours following the pacemaker will tell us more answers. He has opened his eyes upon command and moves one foot. While down for the pacemaker, he will receive another MRI due to the prolonged arrest.
He just got back from the cath lab and CAT scan. The placement of the temporary pacemaker defibrillator went well. The next 24 to 48 hours are very crucial. They just keep overstating. We are not out of the woods yet, but we serve a mighty God who delivers miracles every day.
January 14th
After the external pacemaker/defibrillator was placed, Stacy started having some runs on the monitor that concerned the nurses, and his doctor was paged.
His doctor came straight from the gym (gym clothes and all), and by the time Dr. Z arrived, his amazing team of nurses came up with a plan to just turn his pacemaker down….
When the doctor walked in, his exact words were, “This is already a miracle. His heart is happy with one little change.” He stood there literally shaking his head….
The plan and goal is to keep him on the ECMO for 24-48 hours, slowly weaning him and seeing what his body and organs can do. If we continue seeing baby steps, a defibrillator will be placed. Like I’ve stated before, these are goals. He has numerous serious health issues battling against him.
January 15th
Today was a RAW day, to be honest. Emotions and realization are kicking in…
When the doctor who saved his life came in this morning, I was already a mess. I begged him to be honest with me. I’m so tired of doctors sugar-coating things when I know too much!!! Dr. Z sat down and explained how much of a miracle Stacy already is. If he didn’t believe Stacy had a chance, he wouldn’t do this for him.
Friday morning, they plan to put in a defibrillator. This is a long process and journey. Plans have been changing all day. Only time will tell. Still praying for a miracle. Praying Stacy’s body can handle this, praying for the nurses and doctors
