My name is Serra, and I am reaching out with a heavy heart and hopeful spirit. My father, Askin Karacam, has endured a series of devastating medical challenges over the past month, and now faces a long, fragile road to recovery.

His Medical Journey

Just weeks ago, my father suffered a severe stroke. Since then, his hospital stay has been filled with complications:

*He was not given his blood thinner because of swallowing concerns and was never bridged to an IV form, even though he had no bleeding.

*He was discharged without proper protocol treatment.

He was readmitted with worsened symptoms and lost total control of his left side.

*He has been intubated three times due to failed procedures and aspiration.

*During an attempted G-tube placement, surgical complications left his colon injured and frozen.

*He has been unable to eat for nearly a month and is now fully dependent on a feeding tube.

*Because of weakness and malnutrition, he cannot yet participate in the 3 hours of daily therapy required to qualify for acute rehab.

Despite all of these setbacks, my father’s spirit is unbroken. He is full of love, resilience, and determination to continue the fight for his life.

Why Home Care Is Essential?

While insurance covers some options like a skilled nursing facility, I fear the risks: lack of one-on-one care, higher chance of infection, and the danger of bedsores from long hours in bed. My father needs around-the-clock, attentive care at home to give him the best chance at recovery.

I am a single mother raising my 14-year-old while working as a journalist, and while I will be by my father’s side every step of the way, I cannot provide 24/7 skilled care on my own.

The Cost of Care

The first three months after discharge are critical. Here is what his care will require:

* Skilled caregiver at home (8 hrs/day, 5 days/week) – $4,000/month

* Evening and overnight aide coverage (16 hrs/day through agency) – $7,200/month

* Co-pays for physical & occupational therapy – $400/month

* Medical supplies (formula, wipes, diapers, etc.) – $800/month

➡️ Total Monthly Cost: $12,500

Insurance covers only part of his needs. Medicare is not available for him, and I cannot cover these costs on my own.

About My Father

My father is more than a patient. He is a man of principle and heart. He once studied law, later became an agricultural engineer, and eventually sold newspapers on the streets of Turkey as an act of activism and perseverance. He has always fought for what is right, no matter the cost.

Now, he needs our fight for him—for his comfort, dignity, and healing.

How You Can Help

Your support will go directly toward his home caregiving, medical needs, and therapy during this critical recovery period. Every contribution—no matter the size—will bring us closer to providing him with the safety, love, and dignity he deserves.

If you cannot donate, please consider sharing this campaign to help us reach others who may be able to help.

From the bottom of my heart, thank you for standing with us in this fight.

LATEST UPDATE AND OUR PLAN OF CARE:

As many of you know, my father is recovering from a severe stroke and is fully dependent on TPN for nutrition, unable to swallow, and at high risk of aspiration. He requires constant suctioning and intensive nursing care to keep him safe. Having skilled nursing support truly makes all the difference—it is the reason we are able to keep him stable, protected from infections, and as comfortable as possible. Thanks to your generosity, we have been able to provide this level of care, and we are deeply grateful.

A Possible Turning Point: Total Colectomy

We have an important update.

My father is now being evaluated by a colorectal surgeon for a total colectomy, which may finally resolve the chronic ileus that has kept him TPN-dependent. If the surgery is successful, it could change everything—his nutrition, his strength, his infection risk, and his overall stability.

The surgeon is willing to move forward if he regains enough strength, so these next weeks are critical. Your support helps us maintain the nursing care he needs to regain that strength.

Current Medical Outlook

Short-Term (0–3 months):

• Guarded

• High risk of aspiration, pneumonia, and infections

• Ongoing need for TPN and suction

• Limited neurological recovery expected

Medium-Term (3–12 months):

• Guarded to stable—depending on the success of the surgery

• Potential for improved stability if he can eventually move away from TPN

• Neurological improvement may occur slowly and partially

Long-Term (12+ months):

• If colectomy succeeds: gradual improvement and better long-term stability

• If not: ongoing severe disability, long-term TPN dependence, and continued aspiration risk

Doctors emphasize that because of his stroke-related complications and his dependence on TPN and airway suctioning, his overall life expectancy is reduced—but this truly varies depending on infection control, successful surgery, and the continuous level of care we can provide at home.

Why Your Support Matters So Much

Every contribution goes directly to the skilled nursing AT HOME, medical supplies, and treatment-related expenses that keep my father safe day-to-day. His recovery depends entirely on maintaining this level of care.

We cannot thank you enough for standing with us during this incredibly difficult time. Your kindness is easing his suffering and giving him a fighting chance at healing and stability.

Thank you for helping us keep him safe, hopeful, and cared for.

With gratitude,

Serra and Family