Help Me Stay Near My Wife While She Works to Breathe on Her Own

My name is Harold Pickles, and I never imagined I would be asking for help like this. My wife, Carol, has been under my devoted care for four years, and it has been difficult, but a very committed and loving experience for us both. At present, I am recovering from cervical spine surgery and have a serious back injury. I am going through physical therapy and pain management to mitigate my symptoms. This season of our lives has brought challenges I can no longer manage alone. This request is not for me, as she is my primary focus.

For more than a week, Carol has been in the ICU and struggling for her life. The decision has been made to transfer her to Muncie, Indiana for specialized care.

This facility is located outside of our home area so she can be safely weaned from a ventilator. This is a critical and hopeful step in her recovery. She is working hard every day to breathe on her own again, and I want to be by her side as much as possible during this fragile time.

Because the facility is far from home, I need temporary, and potentially long-term, lodging nearby so I can visit her daily and support her and encourage her through this process. My current health issues prevent me from driving, which makes travel more complicated and costly.

Our family is doing everything they can, physically, emotionally, and financially, to support us during this time. What we are asking for is financial support for transportation, living expenses, and some medical expenses that insurance will not cover.

After a lifetime together, being present with my wife during this journey means everything to me. I want to encourage her, advocate for her, and simply hold her hand while she fights to regain her strength.

If you feel led to help, any amount will go directly toward travel, lodging, and medical expenses so I can remain close to her. If you are unable to give, sharing this page or keeping us in your prayers would mean more than you know.

Thank you for your kindness, compassion, and support during this difficult season.

With heartfelt gratitude,

Carol and Harold Pickles