On Friday, September 12, 2025, my stepdad was admitted to the Cordele Emergency Room experiencing severe pain and frequent collapsing. Tests revealed he had a pulmonary embolism, which quickly led to a critical condition requiring 100% oxygen and, by the end of the night, ventilator support.

Given the severity of the pulmonary embolism and the damage it caused to his heart, emergency surgery was performed while he was on the ventilator. Although initially stable post-surgery, his condition worsened, necessitating ECMO support and a transfer to Emory in Atlanta.

At Emory, he has been on high oxygen levels and ECMO for several days. He is also receiving blood thinners to address additional blood clots in his lungs, but he remains unresponsive.

My mother has been by his side throughout this ordeal and is their sole source of financial support. Any assistance with her travel expenses and household bills would be greatly appreciated, as the duration of his hospitalization is uncertain.