Hi, my name is Avery and I am starting this fundraiser for stepdad, Bob Newton and my mom, Stephanie Newton. The funds will be used for current and upcoming medical expenses, as this will be a long journey.

Update 4/6:

The doctors began weaning Papa off his sedation on 3/27 and on 4/3, he had his last dose. He also had minor surgery to place a tracheotomy and feeding tube, which will aid him in his recovery. He has been in the hospital for 20 days now and he is receiving the best care from the nurses and doctors, who are becoming family to us. We can’t thank everyone enough for all the prayers, love, and support we have been receiving. Mom wants everyone to know that she is reading the messages and that they are bringing her so much comfort! We are patiently waiting for Bob to wake up so we will understand more about his injury.

On Friday, March 17th, my stepdad, Papa (Bob) fell in the driveway and sustained a serious head wound. He was taken to Garrett Regional and the c-scan showed several brain bleeds and he was immediately sent to Morgantown. On Saturday, the c-scan showed his brain shifting to the right and he was taken to surgery where a craniotomy was done to help alleviate the pressure. The surgery went well but the surgeon said the bleeding and the bruising were severe. He has been in ICU since 3/18. On 3/27 , after 9 days of being heavily sedated, the doctors decided to begin cutting back on the sedative. This is going to be a slow process and will take days with possible setbacks. Once Papa wakes up, the doctors will have a better idea of how well his brain is healing. We are still unsure of how long he will be at WVU Hospital. Afterwards, he will be transferred to rehabilitation where he could spend a month or more. Once the swelling, bruising, and bleeding has healed, Papa will have to undergo a 2nd surgery. It is not known if Papa will be able to return to work. He has no short term disability insurance but he does have long term that will kick in after he has exhausted his sick and vacation. My mom has taken a leave of absence with the hope of returning to work while Papa is in rehab and then taking another leave of absence when he comes home and awaits his 2nd surgery.

My family and I appreciate the amount of support we have already received. We have had an outpour of texts, calls, and visits that have kept us going through this tough time. GRMC, Southern Rescue Squad, and Ruby Memorial have been giving Papa the best care and we feel we are in good hands.

Thank you!

Avery