Support for Dawn & Darren DeGroot

Update 4/8/24: DARREN IS HOME!!! He and Dawn are starting to navigate their new normal. The money that has been donated is being used to pay for supplemental oxygen and diabetic supplies like insulin and syringes. Dawn is actively working with Darren's new primary care physician to try and get him qualified for disability, which will automatically entitle him to Medicaid - but it is a long and arduous process. The rejection rate for applications is between 70-80% and they will likely have to apply and reapply. In the meantime they will have to pay for all of Darren's medical needs out of pocket. I am going to leave this fundraiser up because they will need every dime it can generate. The family would like to extend their profound gratitude to those who have contributed - it's made a world of difference.

Update 4/5/24: Darren's numbers are looking up! They are now allowing him to have liquids. He was able to make two laps around the unit. These are all good things! A new primary care physician is on board, and they are working on getting his insulin dosage to the correct level. Dawn is busy planning menus and schedules for when he is released. Dawn and Darren's financial situation is complicated because they would need to "spend down" their assets (they are homeowners) in order to qualify for most financial aid. It's one of those cases where your financial situation is too precarious to withstand a major medical event, but because you aren't completely destitute, you don't qualify for assistance. They are very grateful for the support that everyone has provided.

Update: Darren's supplemental oxygen has been significantly reduced and his physician is cautiously optimistic that he may be able to return home in perhaps a week. All of that depends on how he tolerates eating food once the feeding tube is removed and if they can get his blood sugar under control. When Darren was admitted his blood sugar was 700. As you can imagine, home care is going to be a challenge without insurance coverage. They were provided a case manager, but she only gave them printouts from the Internet and provided no other assistance. The nursing staff at Peace Health have been very helpful and have advocated for a new case manager. All of your prayers and support are helping, and they are so grateful.

Update: Darren is out of ICU - so that is good news! However, he's not out of the woods yet. It was discovered that he had unknowingly developed diabetes. He is struggling with kidney function and a badly inflamed pancreas. Whenever he eats, it sends his blood sugar out of control, so to try and help his pancreas heal, they've had to bypass his stomach and insert a feeding tube directly into his lower intestine. Dawn is asking for prayers. This is going to be a long and difficult convalescence. Dawn still has to work, so she needs to run between the hospital to be involved in Darren's care and work so they have at least one income. She and Darren are tremendously grateful for the support of family and friends.

Hi. My name is Amy Miller and I am raising funds on behalf of Dawn & Darren DeGroot. On the 22nd of March, Darren experienced a catastrophic medical event resulting in hospitalization in the Intensive Care Unit at Peace Health Medical Center in Bellingham, Washington. He was placed on a ventilator, and it was touch and go for a few days there. Thankfully, Darren has been taken off the ventilator and is now in the ICU Step Down Unit, but has a long way to go towards recovery. Unfortunately, he did not have medical insurance, and he and Dawn will be left to cover not only the medical bills, but Darren is now unable to work. They are tremendously grateful for the support of family and friends.