- J
- V
Help is Needed
This campaign is being setup to help support Paul, Jessica, Nathaniel and Andrew during this difficult time. Paul was recently hospitalized and tested positive for COVID-19 (you can read his story below). He was released from the hospital and was at home recovering for the last couple of weeks but still required supplemental oxygen. Nathaniel and Andrew also started having COVID symptoms recently and Nathaniel was also given supplemental oxygen. As many people know, Andrew was diagnosed with Mitochondrial Disease at a younger age, so having any kind of illness is an especially big concern for him.
As if all the above wasn't enough, there is a forest fire that is in close proximity to the Madonias' house in Pine, Arizona. Their doctor recommended they evacuate the area due to the impacts the heavy smoke will have on their breathing (asthma and COVID). They spent yesterday and today packing their belongings and plan to drive two hours north to Williams, Arizona with both of their vehicles. Paul has been working as much as he can while still recovering from COVID. His ability to work will be more of a challenge now that the family has to leave their home for an unknown amount of time.
Obviously with everything going on, Paul, Jessica, Nathaniel and Andrew could use some support. If you have some money you can donate, please help! Any donation helps, no matter how small. If everyone pitches in, it will help the Madonias better cope during this challenging time.
Thank you!
=========================================
Paul's Story about COVID-19 (Published on June 22, 2020):
"Honestly, until last Monday, I was beginning to feel that the COVID pandemic was getting a bit blown out of proportion. It couldn’t really be that BAD, right? I certainly respect everyone’s opinion on the situation, but I also feel compelled to share and inform you of my recent experience since COVID has negatively impacted my family in a number of ways.
About two months ago, my job/role was eliminated due to COVID’s impact within the recruitment industry. Graciously, my previous employer provided me with a severance package and career coach to help during the transition. During that time, I’ve been working off/on as an entry-level temp employee for a local AZ company Monday-Friday. Things seemed to be headed in the right direction, but I must admit I was getting a bit annoyed by the impact COVID was having on our world up to that point...this stuff really seemed to be getting out of hand.
Fast forward to last Monday (6/15/20)...I woke up feeling a little dizzy, my brain was a bit foggy, and I was pretty tired. However, my wife and I stayed up a bit late the night before watching an interesting show, so I simply wrote it off as my fault for staying up too late - got to push through it now. ;-) My son had an orthotics appointment scheduled for later that afternoon in Flagstaff (about 90-120 minutes from our home).
By the time we were leaving for his appointment, each of the symptoms listed above progressed quite a bit – I was even dizzier, definitely not thinking straight, very tired, etc. However, I still thought it was due to staying up too late and needed to push through it. I was driving but about halfway had to pull over...I just couldn’t think straight, had a pounding headache, was so tired and dizzy...something just wasn’t right. I asked my wife to drive (which never happens – since I’m so stubborn about that sort of thing – just ask her!), and all I remember is immediately falling asleep in the passenger seat.
Also, I remember being in the most unbearable pain that I’ve ever experienced, not being able to open my eyes, and the pain had spread from my head to my whole body. Apparently, I was moaning nonstop in my sleep the rest of the trip to Flagstaff. After arriving in Flagstaff, I couldn’t move and was completely exhausted, so I asked my wife and son to just leave the van on for me and go ahead to the appointment. My son's service dog stayed in the van and I remember he just kept trying to lick me, but at this point, I couldn’t really have any clear thoughts...my brain was moving so slow and I was in so much pain.
I’m told when my wife and son returned from his appointment that I was much worse – going in and out of consciousness, so they rushed me to the ER which happened to be next door. I couldn’t move or get out of the van on my own, so they helped me out and the pain of everyone touching me was just so unbearable...I may have even passed out. I believe my initial symptoms in the ER appeared to be that of a stroke, so they stuck something in me quickly and were rushing me all over the place, asking tons of questions, doing tests, etc. Honestly, it was all a whirlwind, and I only remember bits and pieces.
Unfortunately, I still couldn’t open my eyes, so it was very hard to understand what was going on. Once they took me back to a room, more tests were immediately run, COVID nasal swab, Flu nasal swab, IV boluses (6 Liters that 1st day!), blood tests, x-rays, CT scan, Spinal Tap, etc.
The staff certainly did an amazing job of quickly narrowing down what was going on and trying to make things as comfortable as possible for me. Regardless, it all felt like some sort of torturous experience (the COVID and numerous tests).
For the first 2-3 days, they had me on heavy doses of IV steroids, morphine, heparin shots (in the stomach), and oxygen. My oxygen levels were mostly in the 80’s but did drop to the mid-70’s multiple times over those 2-3 days. My fever was staying around 101.5, but I felt much hotter - kept having night sweats and then severe chills.
They admitted me to the COVID floor at the hospital on Tuesday and quickly determined that I had COVID. They continued the steroids, heparin, oxygen, and Tylenol but also added a number of key COVID effective vitamins/minerals, an antibiotic, and several lung exercises. My understanding is that, at this stage, pneumonia is what leads to the most life-threatening issues, so they were doing everything possible to prevent that from happening.
Thankfully (though it was very painful and exhausting) I was mobile – I understand that most patients are not able to move on their own at this point. They even taught me the “Rotisserie Chicken!” I had to spend 2 hours on my side, then 2 on my back, then 2 on the other side, then 2 on the front – just like a rotisserie chicken. Not quite as fun as the Funky Chicken but probably much more effective in this situation.
Miraculously, after days of aggressive treatment, they were able to release me this past Friday (6/19/20). I am still not out of the woods yet...lots of fatigue, labored breathing, loss of taste/smell, fevers, etc. However, I am very lucky to be home at this point and contribute that to all of your ongoing prayers, never-ending encouragement, and most of all God’s graciousness.
Also, I would be amidst if I didn’t recognize The Flagstaff Medical Center team for their amazing job! They have worked with the explosion of cases from the Navajo nation and are on the front lines of the COVID pandemic every single day. In speaking with much of the staff, it is apparent the toll that it is taking on them. I truly believe that their intuitive, quick, and aggressive treatment plan allowed me to avoid ICU and even severe long term damage.
Ironically, as I was leaving and being wheeled out past the nurses’ station, they all stopped what they were doing, clapped, and cheered for ME! I tear up thinking about it, but truly THEY SHOULD BE THE ONES WE ARE CHEERING FOR...they saved my life!
I have a greater appreciation not only for life but the things these folks are facing on the front lines every day. Our Healthcare workers truly are Heroes, and we owe it to them and our communities to wear our masks, practice social distancing, and do our part to overcome this pandemic. The benefit of honoring these inconsequential practices far outweighs the inconvenience so much that none of us should even give it a second thought!
I mean...who knows...it could be you next?!?!"
Source:
https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/covid-real-paul-madonia-jr/?trackingId=vCh2kTp8QeO37Zg91zE1Qw%3D%3D
This campaign is being setup to help support Paul, Jessica, Nathaniel and Andrew during this difficult time. Paul was recently hospitalized and tested positive for COVID-19 (you can read his story below). He was released from the hospital and was at home recovering for the last couple of weeks but still required supplemental oxygen. Nathaniel and Andrew also started having COVID symptoms recently and Nathaniel was also given supplemental oxygen. As many people know, Andrew was diagnosed with Mitochondrial Disease at a younger age, so having any kind of illness is an especially big concern for him.
As if all the above wasn't enough, there is a forest fire that is in close proximity to the Madonias' house in Pine, Arizona. Their doctor recommended they evacuate the area due to the impacts the heavy smoke will have on their breathing (asthma and COVID). They spent yesterday and today packing their belongings and plan to drive two hours north to Williams, Arizona with both of their vehicles. Paul has been working as much as he can while still recovering from COVID. His ability to work will be more of a challenge now that the family has to leave their home for an unknown amount of time.
Obviously with everything going on, Paul, Jessica, Nathaniel and Andrew could use some support. If you have some money you can donate, please help! Any donation helps, no matter how small. If everyone pitches in, it will help the Madonias better cope during this challenging time.
Thank you!
=========================================
Paul's Story about COVID-19 (Published on June 22, 2020):
"Honestly, until last Monday, I was beginning to feel that the COVID pandemic was getting a bit blown out of proportion. It couldn’t really be that BAD, right? I certainly respect everyone’s opinion on the situation, but I also feel compelled to share and inform you of my recent experience since COVID has negatively impacted my family in a number of ways.
About two months ago, my job/role was eliminated due to COVID’s impact within the recruitment industry. Graciously, my previous employer provided me with a severance package and career coach to help during the transition. During that time, I’ve been working off/on as an entry-level temp employee for a local AZ company Monday-Friday. Things seemed to be headed in the right direction, but I must admit I was getting a bit annoyed by the impact COVID was having on our world up to that point...this stuff really seemed to be getting out of hand.
Fast forward to last Monday (6/15/20)...I woke up feeling a little dizzy, my brain was a bit foggy, and I was pretty tired. However, my wife and I stayed up a bit late the night before watching an interesting show, so I simply wrote it off as my fault for staying up too late - got to push through it now. ;-) My son had an orthotics appointment scheduled for later that afternoon in Flagstaff (about 90-120 minutes from our home).
By the time we were leaving for his appointment, each of the symptoms listed above progressed quite a bit – I was even dizzier, definitely not thinking straight, very tired, etc. However, I still thought it was due to staying up too late and needed to push through it. I was driving but about halfway had to pull over...I just couldn’t think straight, had a pounding headache, was so tired and dizzy...something just wasn’t right. I asked my wife to drive (which never happens – since I’m so stubborn about that sort of thing – just ask her!), and all I remember is immediately falling asleep in the passenger seat.
Also, I remember being in the most unbearable pain that I’ve ever experienced, not being able to open my eyes, and the pain had spread from my head to my whole body. Apparently, I was moaning nonstop in my sleep the rest of the trip to Flagstaff. After arriving in Flagstaff, I couldn’t move and was completely exhausted, so I asked my wife and son to just leave the van on for me and go ahead to the appointment. My son's service dog stayed in the van and I remember he just kept trying to lick me, but at this point, I couldn’t really have any clear thoughts...my brain was moving so slow and I was in so much pain.
I’m told when my wife and son returned from his appointment that I was much worse – going in and out of consciousness, so they rushed me to the ER which happened to be next door. I couldn’t move or get out of the van on my own, so they helped me out and the pain of everyone touching me was just so unbearable...I may have even passed out. I believe my initial symptoms in the ER appeared to be that of a stroke, so they stuck something in me quickly and were rushing me all over the place, asking tons of questions, doing tests, etc. Honestly, it was all a whirlwind, and I only remember bits and pieces.
Unfortunately, I still couldn’t open my eyes, so it was very hard to understand what was going on. Once they took me back to a room, more tests were immediately run, COVID nasal swab, Flu nasal swab, IV boluses (6 Liters that 1st day!), blood tests, x-rays, CT scan, Spinal Tap, etc.
The staff certainly did an amazing job of quickly narrowing down what was going on and trying to make things as comfortable as possible for me. Regardless, it all felt like some sort of torturous experience (the COVID and numerous tests).
For the first 2-3 days, they had me on heavy doses of IV steroids, morphine, heparin shots (in the stomach), and oxygen. My oxygen levels were mostly in the 80’s but did drop to the mid-70’s multiple times over those 2-3 days. My fever was staying around 101.5, but I felt much hotter - kept having night sweats and then severe chills.
They admitted me to the COVID floor at the hospital on Tuesday and quickly determined that I had COVID. They continued the steroids, heparin, oxygen, and Tylenol but also added a number of key COVID effective vitamins/minerals, an antibiotic, and several lung exercises. My understanding is that, at this stage, pneumonia is what leads to the most life-threatening issues, so they were doing everything possible to prevent that from happening.
Thankfully (though it was very painful and exhausting) I was mobile – I understand that most patients are not able to move on their own at this point. They even taught me the “Rotisserie Chicken!” I had to spend 2 hours on my side, then 2 on my back, then 2 on the other side, then 2 on the front – just like a rotisserie chicken. Not quite as fun as the Funky Chicken but probably much more effective in this situation.
Miraculously, after days of aggressive treatment, they were able to release me this past Friday (6/19/20). I am still not out of the woods yet...lots of fatigue, labored breathing, loss of taste/smell, fevers, etc. However, I am very lucky to be home at this point and contribute that to all of your ongoing prayers, never-ending encouragement, and most of all God’s graciousness.
Also, I would be amidst if I didn’t recognize The Flagstaff Medical Center team for their amazing job! They have worked with the explosion of cases from the Navajo nation and are on the front lines of the COVID pandemic every single day. In speaking with much of the staff, it is apparent the toll that it is taking on them. I truly believe that their intuitive, quick, and aggressive treatment plan allowed me to avoid ICU and even severe long term damage.
Ironically, as I was leaving and being wheeled out past the nurses’ station, they all stopped what they were doing, clapped, and cheered for ME! I tear up thinking about it, but truly THEY SHOULD BE THE ONES WE ARE CHEERING FOR...they saved my life!
I have a greater appreciation not only for life but the things these folks are facing on the front lines every day. Our Healthcare workers truly are Heroes, and we owe it to them and our communities to wear our masks, practice social distancing, and do our part to overcome this pandemic. The benefit of honoring these inconsequential practices far outweighs the inconvenience so much that none of us should even give it a second thought!
I mean...who knows...it could be you next?!?!"
Source:
https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/covid-real-paul-madonia-jr/?trackingId=vCh2kTp8QeO37Zg91zE1Qw%3D%3D
Organizer and beneficiary
Jessica Madonia
Beneficiary