Family and Friends,

Oh, how life can change in an instant.

Frances thanks you all for supporting Craig on his journey to regain his health after his cardiac arrest on May 3. So many of you have shared your love by following his progress, visiting him at Emory Midtown, at Piedmont, at the Shepherd Center, and at home; preparing meals, and sending your prayers through texts and phone calls. Frances continues to receive your love with offers of assistance every day. And while just having your love and friendship is the best gift you can give to Craig and Frances, we know many of you want to help in any way you can to support Craig.

As Frances mentioned in many of her recent Caring Bridge updates, Craig is home, continuing to receive Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy and Speech Therapy treatments from Rehab Without Walls and is thriving. He is standing on his own under the watchful care of his therapists, participating in his activities of daily living (ADLs), working to regain short- and long-term memory and his vision is returning.

In addition to his comprehensive home health therapy, Craig currently receives wonderful care from several of his caregivers from the Shepherd Center who are highly skilled in providing care to individuals with brain injuries but also know and love Craig. So along with therapy from Rehab Without Walls, these amazing individuals provide care for Craig in his day-to-day needs, assist his therapists during rehab, work with Craig on his “homework” and allow Frances to get back to a regular schedule of work and self-care.

With the mix of skilled therapists, caregivers, friends and family, it feels like Frances has found the ‘secret sauce’ or perfect formula to support Craig’s recovery. And this formula is reaping visible benefits. Craig has come so far, and his current recovery trajectory and long-term recovery potential is quite remarkable.

Craig’s at home needs and the length of the next phase of his recovery include a financial burden that is not completely covered by insurance. Craig’s employer (Piedmont Healthcare) has taken excellent care of him (and excellent care of Frances). Insurance currently covers the total expense related to Craig’s home rehabilitation through Rehab Without Walls, which is a highly specialized neuro and brain injury-specific home health rehabilitation company.

However, based on Craig’s needs and other factors, since he returned home in August Frances has made the decision to utilize Shepherd Center caregivers in the home rather than those from an in-network garden variety home health agency. This care is outside the limits of insurance coverage. These highly skilled private caregivers who have brain injury experience and know Craig so well along with his medical supplies are currently resulting in an out-of-pocket expense of approximately $20,000 per month. As such, we are asking for your help to ease the burden on Frances.

If you are in a position to donate, we thank you. And for those of you who have already done so much for Craig and Frances by sharing your time, thoughts and prayers, we thank you and couldn’t ask for more.

Love,

Laura (Frannie’s Sister), Deb and Cindy