Support for Gerald - COVID Recovery

One evening in 2012 my dad was sitting in his electric recliner at the skilled nursing facility where he lived. I was sitting on the bed while nurse Gerald went about his nightly routines with a big smile on his face as usual. My dad, Gerald, and I chatted regularly and had a lot of fun together. Gerald was waiting for my dad to finish brushing his teeth (in the electric recliner) when out of the blue the recliner powered up and started leaning back for no apparent reason. Believing with his whole heart the chair had become possessed by some malevolent spirit, Gerald glazed over and bolted from the room. I found him in the hallway with his hand over his heart - simultaneously scared out of his wits and laughing hysterically. "Gerald, my dad was sitting on the controller," I assured him. "Everything's fine." Gerald and I became fast friends and have shared many such laughs over the years.

Gerald continues to be one of the finest caregivers you will ever meet - everyone's favorite. Unfortunately, in September of this year, he contracted COVID-19. Gerald's symptoms were severe and primarily neurological. Within a short time, he became paralyzed from the neck down, disoriented, and unable to speak. Gerald spent more than three weeks in the ICU on a ventilator, and his survival was at times in doubt. There were no underlying conditions, and the sole diagnosis was COVID-19.

The good news is he is slowly recovering and gaining strength. Gerald can breathe on his own, move his hands and one leg slightly, and has just begun to speak. He has a long way to go and will spend significant time in rehab, learning to walk and talk again. Since the ordeal began, Gerald's wife (also a nurse) has been unable to work because of their son's in-home schooling requirements and the need to care for their newborn daughter. Everyone in their household has now had COVID, fortunately not as severe as Gerald's case.

In light of this unfolding situation, would you consider contributing to ease the burden of Gerald's mounting medical expenses? It can be difficult for someone like Gerald - who has given his life to the care of others - to receive help, but the need is real. Gerald has worked tirelessly his whole life, courageously moving from Kenya to the USA as a young man to seek additional education, pursue a vocation, and start a family of his own. We all experience setbacks in life, and have all endured some degree of COVID-related hardship this year. Yet, Gerald's circumstances are beyond what he and his young family should have to bear alone.

If you are not in a position to contribute financially, please pray for Gerald and his family, and share the story as widely as you like.

For many, COVID-19 has been little more than a series of inconveniences. For others, it's been a frightening, world-rocking reality. Gerald and his family have a solid faith and are confident of a bright future. Maybe we can lend a helping hand. I'm grateful for your consideration.

Steve