Support Doug's Journey to Mobility and Joy

I have known Doug and Kathy for a long time. They have been married for over 48 years and the family they created together, including children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, is remarkable.

They both eagerly looked forward to their retirement in June 2022, with hopes to travel the US. A time together. A well-deserved next phase of their life.

All was right on track until early 2023 when Doug learned that he had a leaky heart valve. In March 2023, Doug had open heart surgery. In the recovery room, he had a major stroke that required an immediate craniotomy. He also required radiation treatments for prostate cancer. The stroke has left him with a paralyzed left arm and leg. He is confined to a hospital bed in their living room. He is unable to walk and requires a wheelchair even for minimal mobility.

Kathy has been by his side every step of the way. Through hospitalizations, surgeries, radiation treatments, and stays at extended care facilities, and she is now tasked with providing 24x7 care of her beloved husband in their home.

The next phase of their life is turning out to be nothing they had looked forward to. Understandably, both Doug and Kathy are acutely depressed. Doug has repeatedly said he doesn’t want to live day in and day out as he currently is. He longs for what he had hoped for so many years - a chance to get out into nature and camp with his life-partner, Kathy.

Today there are many obstacles to make this happen with the most significant being transportation. A solution, however, does exist. The purchase of a wheelchair van and portable wheelchair. Having these would give both Doug and Kathy at least some chance to fulfill their dreams.

This gofundme page is being created to ask for your help in making this dream a possibility. Any donation amount is more than appreciated.